Chapter 4: Catch us if you can!Dear Mum and Dad,
I know that I wrote you just a few days ago, but as we are leaving the country in a few moments, Harry asked me to write to you. I am still very angry with the both of you, but Harry asked for me to try to reconcile my emotions. So, here I am.
Harry took me to Newgrange yesterday. Harry had been having dreams about it for a while. So, we went to see if a real-life visit would trigger an epiphany of sorts. We took the tour and had a marvelous time. I copied down the astronomical (arithmatic) equations that were woven throughout the structure. Harry and I were able to see the hidden runes that completed the equations, and which are only available to magical eyes. It was an enlightening experience.
As we were walking through the site, I was explaining the meanings of some of the solstice and equinox equations to Harry. That sparked a revelation. He asked me whether the solstice or equinox could affect potion making. It is a well-known fact that several potions can only be brewed during these times. So, I answered with a simple, 'yes'. We had stopped in front of a particular set of equations when Harry got excited. He started to theorize that Neolithic farmers used these equations in the past to decide the best time to make certain potions or to harvest specific ingredients.
As we continued our tour through Newgrange, we decided to check Longhcrew and Knowth. They both supported his hypothesis. We spent the rest of the day tossing back and forth ideas. If Harry is right, it could revolutionize the potion-making industry! He has gathered quite a bit of information, but we need to test it out.
Harry has extended his theory to include: climate, sea-level, seasons, time of day, longitude, latitude, and ambient magical energy and how these factors might affect the end-result of the brewing process. Of course I know all about how ingredients affect potions. I'm aware of proper ingredient storage, cauldron maintenance, and proper preparation. It's quite similar to Chemistry. There is even a Wizarding equivalent to the periodic table. But, no one has ever researched the effect of environment upon potion-making. There are a few exceptions to this, but it is simply due to undesirable reactions between certain ingredients at certain times of the year. I can barely contain myself! I keep thinking of different experiments that could prove or disprove Harry's hypothesis. Unfortunately, we probably won't have the time to brew or distill potions to observe this effect.
One of the reasons I'm so excited about this is that Harry generally hates magical theory. He is much more of an 'on the fly' type of guy. This trip has revealed sides of Harry to me that I've never seen before. It was a really wonderful idea. I've always known that Harry is intelligent, but he rarely shows it. I think it has to do with the Dursleys, those horrible people he grew up with
…
I'm sorry about the break. I started the letter in Ireland, but we ran into a spot of trouble. Harry's just now reminded me that I need to finish this letter.
Don't worry, nothing bad happened…well…not to us. I will admit that it was close, but Harry handled the situation brilliantly. We haven't had any trouble since we arrived in here. There's no use in denying where we are since you will be able to tell from the postmark, so we are in the States.
Harry and I have toured around New York and Virgina. We have dropped in to see the Statue of Liberty, the Library of Congress, and a few other historical landmarks. Of course, you know which one was my favorite. I had never really given much thought to the United States, but I have to admit, after visiting some of the important founding locations, I'm impressed. This country is just so different and vibrant from England.
Harry seems quite affected by some of what we have learned here. I think it has to do with subjugation and the desire for independence. Strong themes here, especially around the founding locations. He wants to be able to choose his own path. He hasn't talked very much since we arrived, and I am worried about him. He's been even quieter since we visited Arlington National Cemetery. It was very moving to see the fields of American heroes who had died while trying to defend this young nation. It seemed to affect Harry a great deal. I hope I can help him.
Tomorrow morning, we set of for our first destination here in the States that has to do with magic. It's going to be very exciting. I am trusting you two with the knowledge of which country we are in. Harry insists that I keep writing these letters. So, please, whatever you do, do NOT tell anyone where we are. Not Dumbledore, not anyone from our world. No one. I will never forgive you if you betray Harry's trust. Trust me there are very good reasons why secrecy is important. I'll try to send another letter next week to let you know how we are doing.
P.S. Here are several pictures of us at Newgrange, the Statue of Liberty, and one Harry insisted I had to send you of me pouting because they would not let me in the back to look at some of the books at the Library of Congress. If I didn't love him so much, I would have to hex him for this.
Love you,
Your Daughter, Hermione
Jake lowered the letter in his hand sighing. They somehow made it across the pond. He didn't know whether to be enraged or impressed. Somehow they must have found a way to do magic without anyone knowing. That nebulous explanation was the only thing that could somehow explain how they managed it.
Was this what Miranda felt back then? Did Ellen's father feel the same thing as he was? Hopelessness, powerlessness, rejection? Would the pain ever go away? Jake Granger looked to the phone hanging on his kitchen wall. Did he have the courage to ask?
He looked to the small stack of photos trying with all his might to ignore the smiling young man holding his little girl. She looked so happy. Could potions do that? Was this situation really what it looked like?
Sitting in his kitchen Jake asked himself a seemingly never ending stream of questions as he looked into the pictures. No answers came to him.
XxXDaRXxX
Moody pushed open the door to the muggle room with his wand drawn and ready for anything. There was a curse on his twisted lips as he took in the scene with his normal eye. His magical eye spun about randomly, also registering nothing of note. He limped his way inside, looking around at the clean room for clues. Potter had come a long way, either that or the Granger girl was good for him. The room was clean. Real clean. There was almost no trace of anyone having stayed here, much less the pair of them.
He was standing in the middle of the room when Lupin walked in with a slight smirk on his face to match Mad-Eye's. He grunted, half turning to look at his partner. "Well?"
"Rooms paid for another couple of days, but the desk clerk hasn't seen either of them since the week before."
The old, ex-Auror chuckled. "Scamp wanted us to find the room empty. Look there, those are potion vials with Hogwarts stamps embossed in the crystal. Albus said Granger was taking potions for her injury, three a day. Girl left them there to taunt us that they had stayed here two days, and then Potter paid for the room for an extra week to make sure we found it. They cleaned the room out, leaving nothing else. They're toyin' with us. I love this kid. Like my own son he is. I can just see him and Granger somewhere, laughin' at us while we're scratchin' our heads, wondering where the hell they are."
Remus chuckled to himself while he walked into the bathroom to see if anything else could be found. Mad-Eye heard him bark in laughter a moment later. When he walked back into the room Remus was holding a different vial in his hand. Moody just raised an eyebrow at him as he took the envelope off the table.
"Find somethin', Lupin?" The gruff, older man asked while still chuckling at how things had worked out.
"Yes, now I know I owe my friend fifty galleons." He replied holding up a different vial that was embossed with a stamp he did not recognize.
In reply, he held up the letter Potter had left for them to find. "Think we ought to do this at Headquarters? Dead end here, aside from the things they wanted us to find. Albus'll be chompin' at the bit to know what we found, not that it's much."
Remus smiled widely. "Yeah, it should be worth a laugh just to see his reactions to what I found."
Mad-Eye took one more look around before he walked up to the window and looked down the way. Smiling insanely, he turned to Lupin. "Still got that Prophet on you?"
Remus nodded and took the folded paper out of his robes while walking up to Moody. The Auror had moved the curtain out of the way and pointed down to where a boarded up window was.
"Look. I told you Potter was the tipster. I'll lay odds he and Granger sat right here and watched the whole thing, taking pictures."
The werewolf snorted but nodded as well. "No bet, Mad-Eye. I have this feeling Harry set up the whole thing just to make Ms. Granger laugh. I can honestly say if he did, it's the greatest prank ever, and considering his father, Sirius, and I were known for our pranks, that says something. Come on, let's go report in and see what Dumbledore decides is next." Mad-Eye laughed and nodded; a mischievous look in his eye.
Two cracks later found the two-man team appearing just shy of the Burrow and walking up to the door. They walked in and took seats at the table, which was already pretty full from the rest of the Order. The Kitchen of the Burrow was packed with members and had been since the morning's Prophet had been delivered.
Dumbledore was not sitting at the Head of the table, as was usual. No, Arthur Weasley was, as was his right, as this was his house. Dumbledore was sitting at the other end of the table, ever the grandfather-looking gentleman. However, no twinkle in his eye could be discerned. The Order had taken notice of the subtle power play between the jovial Head of the Weasley Clan and the Supreme Mudwhump.
Once everyone was seated and quieted down, Dumbledore asked, "What news do you have of young Harry, Alastor?"
Sitting in the middle of the table was a copy of the Prophet that had started today's events. Front page showed a picture of three men in dresses trouncing the prone bodies of both Crabbe and Goyle Sr. The Headline read, 'Muggle Attack or Lover's Spat?'
Of course, Rita Skeeter wrote the article. She had gone on quite a bit into the supposed perverted desires of the two men that ended up with both men being put in a muggle hospital before they were found and transferred to St. Mungo's for treatment. Long lists of injuries were listed, but a lot more was a go on about their 'tastes' in entertainment. Both men were being charged with serious breaches to the Statute of Secrecy, as well as various other charges stemming from the items found in their possession.
Moody pulled out the envelope Potter had left behind and tossed it to the Headmaster for him to read which he did, silently, before he threw it on the table in anger. The whole Order looked down to see the only line written on the parchment.
Catch us if you can, you tosspot.
It became clear within the following moment who sided with whom. The Order had long been divided for individual reasons, but all were normally united in purpose in this war against Voldemort. However, since Harry and Hermione had done a runner, a new faction had shown itself. The anti-Dumbledore-faction-who-backed-Harry-in-all-things were making a strong showing.
The muffled snickers that broke out from the letter showed the lines quite clearly. Remus, Tonks, McGonagall, Mad-Eye, Fred, George, and Arthur Weasley made up this contingent. The Pro-Dumbledore crowd showed themselves to be quite small in number consisting of only Diggle, Molly Weasley, and a few of the older crowd. The rest were silent, they were the neutrals who only wanted to be a part of the Order to fight Voldemort and had little to no interest in either Dumbledore or Harry. However, several of them had to hide smirks or snickers behind their hands.
In a tired voice, that those who knew him could tell was laced in rage, Dumbledore asked, "Was there anything else in the room? Anything that could tell us where they were headed to so that we might catch them before Voldemort does?"
Failing to hold back his glee, while several people shuddered at the name of the enemy, Mad-Eye shook his head. "The only other thing I found was six potion vials that tell us they were there for at least two days, even though the clerk said they paid for a week and a half. Remus found something else, but other than that, it was cleaned out properly. Couldn't even find a trace of their magical signatures about the room." The pride in his voice was clear to hear to all in the room.
The old man looked at Remus who was smirking as he pulled out a vial and placed it where all could easily see it on the table. One look at it and most of the younger Witches, and a few of the older unmarried Witches, bursting out in laughter. Every one of them immediately understood the message conveyed by the little bottle.
Tonks looked at Remus with obvious delight in her eyes and voice; "Find that in the trash Wolfie?"
Still grinning, Remus shook his head. "No, it was set on the counter in plain sight. I get the impression it was a message from Ms. Granger."
Dumbledore leaned forward picking up the vial and turning it to look at the crest embossed on the front. He frowned after a moment with narrowed eyes before he set it down and made to stand.
Molly Weasley huffed at the vial. She recognized it and did not like what it clearly spelled out. "Did you find anything out at Gringotts when you checked with the goblins?"
Dumbledore sighed. "Mr. Potter has, unfortunately, already been and gone. He emptied his trust vault the same day he disappeared. Unfortunately, this means he has more than enough resources to keep himself and Miss Granger going for some time as his Trust Vault was quite full. The only other thing I was able to get out of the goblins was the amount he took, which amounts to well over five hundred thousand galleons after he liquidated several gems and other precious stones that rested within..."
Just at that moment, an envelope appeared in the center of the table with a loud crack. It gently fell to the table in the stone quiet kitchen of the Burrow. The address was to 'The Burnt Turkey Club'.
His gruff laughter sounded as Moody reached forward. With his magical eye he noticed a few smirks and people getting comfortable for the show. Most however seemed gob smacked which just made him chuckle more. He pulled out a clear disk of some kind from the envelop. There were no other letters or notes with it. Still chuckling, Mad-Eye placed it on the center of the table placing his wand on top of it saying only, "Activate." Rightfully assuming Potter wanted them to see whatever was on the strange device.
Directly above the disk, an image began to form. It was clearly a recording of the event depicted in the Prophet. He heard Minerva muttering to herself seemingly impressed with the spell work. Mad-Eye had to nod to himself along with her, it was by itself an impressive bit of magic. More so considering the kids were only just post O.W.L.S.
The Order watched, stunned, and then burst into various bits of laughter as the Death Eaters were trounced by the Muggles. After it had played out, a different image appeared. It was Harry standing tall with Granger curled up into his chest half facing forward. It was a crystal clear message as to how the two felt about each other. Potter's arm was around her, clutching her upper back while Hermione's hands had fisted the front of his robes. Granger's defiance raged in her eyes. Harry gave a sneer worthy of Snape at his most dour.
"Three muggles took down two Death Eaters. What the fuck have you done lately?"
The moment was spoiled almost as soon as it built when Granger lightly slapped his chest and whispered quietly, "Language, Harry."
Various members roared in laughter as he rolled his eyes looking down at his lover. "Sorry, dear. You ruined my moment. You know that, right?" His voice clearly amused by her antics. She chuckled unfazed.
He looked back up as he raised his hand and coughed. Then in a deeper voice behind his hand Harry said, "This message will self-destruct in five seconds."
With laughter in her eyes she looked up at him lightly shaking her head. "I swear. No more spy movies for you."
Smiling lovingly, Harry replied. "Come on! It's one of the best lines in the mov…" Just then the image disappeared and the disk flared bright red before rending itself to ash, ending the playful banter between the two.
Despite the laughter around the room, Dumbledore was not happy at his weapon's antics. He addressed the room sternly. "We will continue our searches abroad. Post sentries at ports for the surrounding countries with emphasis on France and Bulgaria, where we know that they might find persons willing to take them in. They will attempt travel by Muggle ways, thinking we won't find them. Check airports, train yards, taxis, boats and bus stations. That is all." With that, he walked over to the fireplace and after a call of Hogwarts disappeared in a gush of emerald flames.
The rest of the crowd dispersed through the door to Apparate or to the queue at the floo for various places. It took some time, but after a while, only the pro-Harry members were left. Mad-Eye picked up the first envelope looking at the address, still smirking. It was addressed 'To The Manipulative Wanker'. He chuckled.
"I am really starting to like this kid. It takes serious stones to take the Mickey out of Dumbledore. You've got to admire the kid's gall. The room, vials, and those letters. Potter's thumbing his nose at anyone trying to track him down. Voldemort's Death Eaters are almost a laughing stock right now. Ministry can't prove those two are Death Eaters, but people know."
Tonks picked up vial, showing the others, still snickering. "Madame Midnight's. Hermione's not packing light either. Leaving behind a contraceptive vial in plain sight sends a nice message to everyone. Girls in my year at Hogwarts would leave them out on their nightstands for their dorm mates to see. She's given herself to Harry. He's hers. Separate them at your own risk. And the way she was clutching to him in the message. It doesn't get much clearer than that."
After a moment of chuckles and snickers, the Weasley patriarch looked around and leaned in with a knowing smile that showed where the twins got their sense of mischief from. "Did you see Albus's face when Harry and Hermione appeared at the end of that message?" The room roared with laughter again while the Weasley twins fell from their chairs.
XxXDaRXxX
All throughout the isles, the Post-Owls of Hogwarts were busy. They carried not the usual letters of acceptance or course lists. These letters were similar to the one just viewed by the Order of the Phoenix. The difference was the end message. Each message ended with Harry saying, "Three Muggles took down two Death Eaters. If Muggles can do it, why can't you?"
Similar messages were tied to the flock of Post Owls that left Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. The recipients: every non-Death Eater in the British Isles.
A House-Elf stood and watched the latest flock disappear into the sky. A poorly-made pink tea cozy on his head, massive glassy eyes shining in mirth, and laughter in his heart. His Master will be pleased.
Chapter 5 Worries and Woe's
Harry sat with his back against an old oak tree overlooking a measureless valley. He hadn't really been paying much attention to where they were going earlier except that they were heading northwest; mostly heading toward the Great Lakes.
After talking about it for some time, the teenaged couple decided not to go to Salem. For one, it was too obvious a place for them to go. Moreover, they wanted to get away for a bit. Deciding to take a risk, they were going to the Great Lakes area where Hermione had mentioned Professor Vector's knew someone who lived in retirement.
When they had landed a few minutes ago he had simply felt the need to take in the scenery. Sharing the spectacular scene, Hermione was tucked into his side. The sun was slowly creeping along, shining its light over the forested landscape. The green of the treetops stretched up and almost seem to brush along the pale blue sky in the distance. It was gorgeous and peaceful as they sat there with the rustling of the light wind and the song of the birds about them. It was also exactly what Harry needed at the moment.
Since their visit to Arlington National Cemetery a few days before, he really hadn't been talking much. His mind was burdened with the Prophecy Dumbledore had thrust on him after his Godfather died. It wasn't that he believed in the stupid thing; he was afraid of it. Harry as absolutely positive this Prophecy was the reason for why his life was so utterly and completely fucked outside of the young woman at his side.
It was obvious that Dumbledore believed in the validity of the Prophecy. It was also obvious by his actions that Voldemort believed in it, as well. Up until they had arrived in America, Harry'd managed to put the blasted thing behind him. There are little things that happen in a person's life that completely change everything. Meeting Hagrid had been the first that Harry could remember. Hermione and her role in his life was probably the most important thing to ever happen to him.
Reading the Declaration of Independence, standing on top of the Statue of Liberty, and visiting Arlington National Cemetery in quick succession had the same effect on Harry. Everything changed. Now the damn Prophecy wouldn't leave his mind and it seemed to plague his every thought. It all came down to the fact that as long as Voldemort believed Harry was his fated Nemesis; he would continue to hunt The Boy-Who-Lived.
Those thoughts brought his real concerns to the fore. His guilt was eating at his gut because he hadn't told Hermione the truth yet. She knew something was wrong and she had pushed him a few times to talk about it. He'd been so scared of losing her; he couldn't bring himself to reveal this ugly truth.
After all, who would want a boyfriend marked for death; either the killer or the killed? Who would descend into this madness willingly? Just being his lover marked her for death almost as certainly as it did him. His thoughts had circled in this whirlpool of guilt and fear for some time now. He was torn between his need of her and fear for her safety.
His thoughts were shattered when he heard Hermione's voice sound in his ear. "Are you going to tell me about the Prophecy now Harry?"
His entire body tensed and he knew she felt it, being entwined with him as she was. Slowly he turned a bit to see her facing him with a determined look in her eye. The last thing he wanted to do was talk about that bloody prophecy. He cursed himself when his voice broke as he replied, "Wha…what are you talking about?"
He could tell she was fighting not to roll her eyes. "You know, the Prophecy we tried to save? I know it was broken, Neville told me but you still know it. I'm not stupid Harry."
She didn't sound angry, nor did she look angry, but he knew she was furious he had not told her yet. He couldn't tell her, didn't she know that? He was terrified what her reaction would be. Who in their right mind, hell who in any state of mind would want to be with someone who had the proverbial death sentence hanging over them? She'd leave him; he knew it and couldn't blame her if she did. He loved her, she was his everything. If that was what she wanted, he wouldn't deny her that, but he had hoped to at least delay it for longer than this.
"What makes you think I know it?" He again cursed his unstable voice. She finally turned to look him in the eyes and he knew his stalling did not fool her.
Hermione reasoned, "S.P.T.: Sibyll Patricia Trelawney. A.P.W.B.D.: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Really, Dumbledore's initials are quite unique. After you told me that she had made a real prediction in third year and about Dumbledore's reaction to it, it wasn't hard to put the pieces together, love. It was about Voldemort and you. I remember that much from before the battle broke out. Since it was made to the Headmaster, he could have told you sooner or later and judging by how you were acting after your visit with him in his office, I assume he told you then. His timing was absolutely atrocious, but that's neither here nor there."
Harry took a gulp of air trying to calm his frayed nerves. There was no use in denying it anymore. She already knew and he couldn't lie to her if he tried. In a weak voice that was almost carried off by the wind he spoke. "It's him or me…If I don't kill him, he'll kill me…"
He was expecting pity, or sadness from her. What he saw in her eyes though was neither. It was resignation. It was as if she had already figured that out, but just needed the proof from him. He was so lost in the revelation he almost didn't hear her speaking. "You thought I would leave you didn't you?"
Surprised he blinked. "You…You're not?"
Hermione slowly sighed while shaking her head. "Of course not my love. 'Me and you, always' remember?" Harry nodded, dumbfounded.
Fighting tears he clutched to her drawing her as close as he could. Feeling reassured by her words, he murmured into her hair, "Thank you so much, I was scared you'd leave. I wouldn't have stopped you either. I felt like I was losing my mind…"
"Sometimes you have to lose your mind before you come to your senses." She quoted, though Harry couldn't place the source.
Harry couldn't help it but gave a watery chuckle at her words still holding her to him. "So when does the coming to your senses take place? I've been waiting for a while."
Hermione chuckled in return. "Maybe you're still lost in the madness then."
Giddy with the knowledge she was not going to abandon him like he feared he quipped, "Oh good. For a moment I was worried I might have missed my stop."
They shared a laugh for a bit, which finally lifted the tension that had been between them since their visit to Arlington. As he held her to him he couldn't help but confess. "I can't beat him Hermione. You didn't see him and Dumbledore stand toe to toe. It was like watching two titans having a go at each other. You could feel the power rolling off both of them…"
Hermione leaned back from him taking his face in her gentle hands. "We'll find a way Harry. We'll figure something out." They sat there for some time just looking into each other's eyes, each absorbing the love the other had for them.
"Afternoon," a deep voice boomed, causing both of them to jump apart. "Keep your hands where we can see them. No need for either of you to get hurt," the voice cautioned.
Turning, Harry took in the two wizards who had been behind them. Neither was dressed in robes but there were other clues as to their identity. The obvious giveaway was that both had wands pointed at them. For another, both where dressed in dragon leather from neck to toe. Judging by their body language both men were well used to dangerous situations.
He began to feel his blood pump quickly through him as his gut started clenching. He didn't like this situation at all. "What do you want with us?" he asked as he positioned himself in front of Hermione. He knew it really didn't matter, but he felt better partially shielding her from the two men in front of them.
The second man tilted his head but addressed his companion instead of answering Harry's question. "I don't know Mark. He looks about right. Still, won't do to inconvenience a couple of kids if he's not him. Get his I.D."
The first man nodded and addressed Harry. "We're looking for a young man named Harry Potter. My name is Mark Daniels, my partner is Jason Baxter. We are fully trained Hit Wizards, so make no mistake we are very capable of defending ourselves in case you get some ridiculous idea of attacking us. You look like the description of the young man we have been assigned to apprehend. Cooperate with us and there won't be any trouble. Now, hand over your I.D. please."
Keeping his movement slowed Harry reached into his back pocket for his wallet. He handed it over to the first man after he had extracted it. This was not an unanticipated circumstance, but this was the first instance where their defense against it was tested.
Hermione was the next to speak after a tension filled moment. "Why are you looking for this 'Harry Potter?"
While the first man was looking through Harry's wallet the second answered. "Supreme Mugwump, Albus Dumbledore of the International Confederation of Wizards posted a reward for his apprehension. Seems Mr. Potter got himself kidnapped by a young woman, whose description you match. She has reputedly beguiled him with love potions. Mr. Potter's guardian is concerned for his welfare."
Hermione snorted. After a sidelong glance at his lover, he noticed she seemed quite offended with the idea she used potions on Harry. For his part Harry was more worried about the current situation. Apparently, Dumbledore had longer arms than he gave him credit for. Concerned for his welfare… Yeah right. Concerned his sacrificial lamb got out of his pen is more like.
"So, who are you?" asked the man who introduced himself as Mark.
Distracted by his thoughts and current situation Harry replied vaguely, "Just a happy go lucky tourist out to see a bit of the world."
The man named Mark snorted at Harry's comment. "Is that why you've got five passports, from five different countries, in five different names?"
Harry blinked. He had forgotten to remove the other documents from his wallet when he left the British branch of Gringotts. Silently cursing his own stupidity, he tried to half-heartedly smile before he quipped, "Kept trying for a good picture."
Slightly behind him he heard Hermione moan - not in the way he liked either. The tension spiked to new levels as the four stood in a dead silence.
"Alright Mr. Potter. Come along now…"
He got no further as Hermione, who had drawn her wand using Harry's body as cover, encanted, "Avis!"
Reacting out of instinct both Hit Wizards brought up shield charms. Unfortunately this did nothing to stop the flock of canary yellow birds that flew up and over the shield before they began attacking the men.
Not wasting any time, Harry grabbed Hermione by the hand and dove through the foliage heading to where they had left the bike.
They had only managed to get about ten feet, when the area about them erupted in small explosions. Harry pulled his girlfriend to the ground just as a sickly yellow beam of light shot past them. When Harry looked up to see what the spell was, he blanched.
Completely oblivious to what the spell was, he did see that it was bad enough to completely shatter the trunk of a two-foot wide tree. Harry ducked his head down into Hermione trying to protect her from the hundreds of branches that whipped about the area as the once silent woodland cried with the noise of the fallen tree.
"Damn it Mark, We have to take him alive! There won't be any reward for him dead!"
"Shut your fucking mouth Jason, I wasn't aiming at the little bastard, I was aiming at that bitch!"
Harry rose up a bit and looked down at his lover. "You okay?" he whispered.
Hermione nodded. "Yeah, what's the plan?" her voice was a bit shaken from the close shave.
"We need to get to the bike. Any ideas?"
Hermione thought for a moment while Harry kept his ear on the two arguing Hit Wizards. After only a few moments she spoke up. "Summon the bike; I'll see if I can keep them pinned down."
Harry shouted the Summoning spell and waited as he willed the bike to come to him. He'd never Summoned something so heavy and he could feel the drain on his magic as he heard it crashing through the brush. Behind him he heard Hermione conjuring and banishing things toward their foes. Their yells of displeasure as they learned how accurate she was at doing it made him smile.
After only a few moments the bike came skidding sideways next to them. Harry shook his head at it. It was quite beaten up. Being dragged through the bushes, over the uneven terrain and who knew what else will do that to a piece of machinery, enchanted or not. Trusting the fallen tree behind him to be cover enough, he threw his leg over the bike and kicked it to life. Hermione wasted no time jumping on the back the second it was running. Once she had a good grip on him he pulled the throttle back rocketing them through the forest and hopefully leaving behind the Hit Wizards that were trying to capture him.
For the next few moments both teens lived a harrowing ride. Harry pushed the bike as fast as he could, well above what he was sure would ever be recommended for this type of terrain. They tore through the forest until they came across what he assumed was an old game trail. Taking it as the break they needed, they leaned together taking the turn at speed and jetted down the new open area. It was at this point that several things began to go dreadfully wrong.
Hermione shrieked behind him. A loud 'pop' sounded as one of the Hit Wizards appeared and started casting Stunning spells at them. Harry swerved as best he could to avoid the beams of eldritch fire. Vaguely, as if from far away, he heard Hermione shouting the incantations of various spells. The Blasting curse, the Explosion hex, the Bone Breaking curse. None of them were of the 'easily reversible' kind which they had used at the Ministry. Far more worrisome to Harry, he realized the brakes had failed on the bike.
He pumped the rear brake and then squeezed the front lightly at first trying to control their speed but then with greater force when the realization hit him that the brakes were useless. Fuck! Must have happened when I Summoned it…
As they barreled along the game trail Harry took note that Hermione managed to stop one of the Hit Wizards. The question of whether he was dead or not didn't really occur to Harry. Later, he would wonder about his lack of caring, but he was a bit preoccupied at the moment. They had stopped appearing in front of them and that's what mattered the most to him at that moment. Shortly, he heard Hermione's panicked voice sound close in his ear, "Slow down Harry!"
He could feel her arm holding him in a death grip. Just…just need to get to more open ground…yeah… Harry allowed the throttle to pull back to no avail. He, too, began to panic when the bike refused to cut its speed. He pulled hard on the throttle again with no result. Coming to the realization that the throttle was stuck on top of the failure of the breaks, he began to curse under his breath. His heart was hammering in his chest as the full import of what was happening hit him.
Not knowing what else to do Harry chanced one more look at his girlfriend. "I love you!"
He saw Hermione's eyes widen as she seemed to read their plight in his eyes. Her arm seemed to clutch tighter to him when he heard her reply in his ear. "I love you too Harry!"
Suddenly, they heard a shout from their right and the ground seemed to explode underneath them. The out of control bike lifted off the ground slightly twisting sideways. Both teens screamed when they crashed through a bush that had hidden a small cliff face. The sounds of their shrieking resounded off the cliff as they plummeted thirty feet to the tree tops below.
XxXDaRXxX
"They had to have landed somewhere around here," muttered the Hit Wizard.
His partner only grunted while looking about with a determined eye as he cradled a broken arm. Evidence of something crashing through the area was there to see, but so far they'd found no bodies and no bike. Both wizards stopped and raised wands when they heard a voice speak. Though they couldn't tell from where it came from, it seemed to echo from all around.
"Beware! You are walking in sacred lands. Leave before we are forced to break the peace between our peoples."
Mark sent a Blasting curse in the direction where he thought he heard the voice. The resulting explosion of dirt and vegetation was greeted by a loud bang. Jason turned in surprise and fear just in time to see his partner's head rocked back spraying reds and greys on the trees and forest behind him. That broken arm wasn't bothering him anymore. He watched horrified as his partner fell lifeless onto the ground.
"No more warning will be given. Leave these lands and do not return," commanded the voice.
"I don't care about your lands! I just want the two kids that crashed through here!" he shouted back.
After a moment, the voice sounded again. "There will be no trophies taken from the bodies of any on these sacred lands. Leave. There is nothing for you here. Your fallen prey is no longer yours to claim."
His face contorted in fear, the Hit Wizard's head spun. Sweet Jesus…I killed Harry Potter… In a panic, the Hit Wizard Apparated away. He'd already decided to get quietly and completely drunk. Most likely, he'd to stay that way for quite some time if he was lucky. If he were even luckier, no one would know what he did.
The voice belonged to an older man who knelt down in the earth beneath him holding a rifle. Once the Hit Wizard had left the area, the man lowered his weapon and turned to look at the scene below him.
A smoking motorcycle lay in ruin only a few feet from him. Beyond the twisted metal that had been a Harley Davidson motorcycle, two bodies, one male and the other female rested. His eyes narrowed as he saw that the people were almost as broken as the machine. The man's dark eyes traveled up a tree to see two birds watching him.
The first was a large tawny owl. Like all owls, she appeared to be wise with her wide, knowing eyes. She seemed to be judging his spirit with her unblinking gaze. Next to her, a raven sat with wings wide and beak half open though no sound came from him. There was a fire in his eyes causing a soft glow of power to be clearly seen. After a moment both birds looked down at the two wounded teens below them and then back to the man.
He blew a piercing whistle through his fingers waiting only a moment for his steed to amble through the brush to him. Meanwhile, he had walked over to the fallen bodies of the two young people. As he set about making a litter for them he could only think one thing:
The Raven and Owl have come at last. Father will be pleased his long wait is almost at an end.
Chapter 6, A House Divided
Ellen Granger sat at the kitchen table of her home staring into her cup of Earl Grey, thinking. It has been almost a month since her one and only daughter had run away from home. She blamed herself for it. Hermione had reacted no differently than she herself had when she was a younger woman, but to be honest, the circumstances were a bit different. At least her husband Jake was not a trouble magnet, though her own mother had not reacted much better than she did.
Still lost in thought she rose from her seat to refill her cup while absently glancing at the calendar. July 13th. It has been a full month to the day since her daughter ran away. The phone suddenly ringing broke her from her thoughts.
She tonelessly answered the phone. "Hello."
"…Hi Mum…"
Shocked she dumbly replied. "Hermione?"
"Yes Mum…"
Just hearing the voice of her beloved daughter brought tears to her eyes. "Honey are you okay? Where are you? When are you coming home? Your father and I have been frantic with worry over you. Please tell me that the Potter boy didn't do what the Headmaster said he did…"
"Wait a moment Mum, what did the Headmaster tell you?"
Not wanting to anger her daughter in to hanging up yet knowing she would if she didn't answer, Ellen told her. "He told us that Potter used some kind of potion to make you run with him. He told us he would extend all his influence to find you for us. We were hurt so much when you left Hermione. When we got your letters we didn't know what to think anymore. They read far too much like your normal letters for us to believe you were being magically controlled."
Her daughter half growled, half snorted. "First of all Mum, his name is Harry. Secondly Harry would never do anything like that. We have been seeing each other for two years now. I tried to tell you when you visited me at Hogwarts not to listen to what the Headmaster said. He has an unhealthy interest in Harry. As far as his influence goes, that's part of the reason I called. Because of Dumbledore, Harry's been hurt…"
"Are you okay Hermione? Please talk to me, I can see you care for the boy but right now I need to know how you are doing."
Ellen heard the sigh before Hermione started talking again. "I am okay now. I was hurt too but the healers here fixed me up. It's Harry I am worried for right now. That's part of why I called Mum. I… needed to hear your voice."
Ellen started to get a bit worried. "You were hurt? What happened? How? Why?" Ellen heard her daughter take in a deep breath and let it out a bit shakily before she started talking again.
"Dumbledore. He sent Hit Wizards after Harry. From what they said the story is I am the one who potioned Harry and made him run with me. They had no concern for my safety but as we were trying to get away we crashed Harry's motorcycle."
"I got away with a few broken bones, a lot of cuts and a more than a few abrasions. Harry got a lot of similar injuries but there…there's a complication. Harry's still in a coma. I don't know what happened to the Hit Wizards but I was told by the…main Healer here that Harry is in a bad way."
"Please tell me that Hit Wizard is something other than it sounds like…"
"Sorry Mum, it's exactly what it sounds like. Bounty Hunters. It was pure luck we didn't get killed, or worse, captured."
"What are you not telling me Hermione? What's going on? Please don't take this the wrong way but…why did you call? We didn't think you would by how your letters read."
"I…needed to hear your voice. Like I was saying, Harry's hurt badly. The Healer here said he might be able to help him. It's dangerous, not just for Harry…but for me too. I love him Mum. I'll do anything for him. Tonight, we are going to try and heal him. I…don't know what is going to happen. I won't lie, it's a bit risky but it's the only hope he has. I just wanted to tell you and dad…I love you."
Ellen began to feel true panic settle within her. When she spoke, she kept her voice level and tried to reason with her normally sensible daughter. "Hermione, please listen to me. We love you too, always know that."
"The way you are talking this sounds more than just a bit risky. Please consider what it is you are talking about. I know you care for him, but honey, you can't throw your life away for a boy. It's not worth it."
The phone was silent for a moment. "Okay Mum. I'll make you a deal. Answer me one question positively and truthfully, and I won't do this. As soon as Harry can be moved, we'll even come straight home."
Heart hammering within her breast Ellen hesitantly answered her daughter's challenge. "Okay…"
"Say Dad, was in the Hospital and needed a blood transfusion. The banks are dry and only you can give him enough to save his life."
"The problem is that he has lost a lot of blood and it would be unsafe for you to give as much as he needs. You have to choose, take a risk or let him die. Someone walks up to you, someone you trust with all your heart and tells you it's not worth it. Let Dad die so you can carry on."
"My question to you Mum. Do you let Dad die?"
Tears cascaded down her face as the import of her daughter's words rang within her. Her mouth was open but no words came out. Several seconds of silence past.
"I didn't think so… I love you; tell Dad I love him too. If things go well I will write you."
Her voice was choked, pleading. "Please…come home…"
"…When Harry wakes up…I will talk to him about it. After what happened…I don't know if that is such a good idea. Even if we do decide to come home, knowing Harry it won't be for some time. Goodbye Mum."
XxXDaRXxX
Within the Weasley Household it was not uncommon for there to be someone yelling for some reason. What was uncommon was for the yelling to come from their father, Arthur Weasley. Rarer was that he was yelling not at his children, but at his wife, Molly. It was this oddity that brought the two youngest skulking down the hall toward their parent's bedroom where they posted with ears against the wooden door listing in.
"I most assuredly will NOT accept the situation Arthur." Sounded the near shrieking voice of Molly Weasley. "They are far too young to be gallivanting about unsupervised. For Merlin's sake, that scarlet woman has already tempted him into her bed! How can even suggest I calm down and accept that?"
"Harry's a good boy in a very confusing time in his life He needs guidance and understanding, not wanton temptations. He needs a proper girl, not some gold digging tart! I had thought I had raised him better than this but he is at that time in his life where such temptations would overcome his upbringing… and why are you not upset about Harry being all alone out there with no one to protect him? He could get caught and killed by Death Eaters!"
Their fathers voice replied. "Because he's probably safer out there on his own than he his at Hogwarts! Bloody Hell, look at what he's had to deal with since he came back to our world."
"The boy's safer on his own than he is with his relatives or under Albus's eye in that Castle. He's less likely to face Death Eaters, You-Know-Who, Basilisks, Dementor's, Dragons, or mental Ministry workers out on his own."
"Things you can't say about Hogwarts! If we could have afforded it you'd best believe that I would have had our children enrolled anywhere but Hogwarts after what happened to Ginny."
"As far as the other issue, who would you suggest would fill the role of 'Proper Girl'?"
Not arguing his prior points the teens listened as their mother forged ahead. "Ginevera is a proper girl and she is besotted with the boy. A far better match than the hussy he is with now. Harry needs to be in a loving relationship built on mutual understanding and feeling. Ginevera was raised far better than to let a boy into her knickers until their wedding night as is proper."
Brother and sister both felt their eyes widen when their father laughed at her comments. "Really? Quite the imagination you have there Molly to think you raised young Harry because last I checked he was a Potter, NOT a Weasley."
Their mother snorted at his comment. "He's as good as! He's spent the last three summers under my care. Why, if not for me that young man would have starved to death because of those muggles he's forced to live with."
"And whose fault is THAT?" The Weasley Patriarch shouted. "No Molly, I will tell you who, Dumbledore! He has single handily blocked all attempts by Sirius, me, McGonagall, Moody, Longbottom, Bones, and several other families to take him in and away from those people. DUMBLEDORE, whom you seem to see no fault in no matter what anyone tells you, is the reason Harry was raised the way he was!"
"And as far as Ginevera and Harry being together, what did you have in mind? Potion the boy until he agrees to a Marriage Contract?"
It was dead silent for several seconds. Suddenly their father's voice rose to new levels previously only matched by his wife. "ARE YOU INSANE? Do you have any idea what could happen if you tried to manipulate him? Have you forgotten what we owe Harry?"
By the tone in her voice the eavesdropping teens could tell their mother was unimpressed. "She is a proper girl that will take care of Harry in the ways he needs. The boy just needs a bit of a push to see what a wonderful young woman Ginevera is since he's been blinded by pleasures of the flesh from that…"
"Stop! A bit of a push? Love potions do not equal a bit of a push! Their restricted for a bloody reason! Harry is obviously deeply committed to Hermione, which would negate the lower class of potions! That only work when the subject is not already committed emotionally to another, you know that as much as I do."
"Let me remind you of a few things Molly, and you had better listen to me! First consider what would happen if Ginevera was caught with a restricted potion. She could have her wand snapped and forced to live as a muggle if convicted. And mark my words with Harry's current popularity I have little doubt that she would be!"
"Second, do you honestly think Hermione is just going to allow this to take place? Just going from what little we know of her personally I can tell you she would demolish Ginevera in a Witches Duel. Considering she is as good as Harry's Intended, she is well within her rights to do so!"
"Have you even considered the Life Debt our daughter owes Harry? Life Debts are almost impossible to create because one party must be in danger through no fault of their own while the other party has to willingly, and for no selfish reasons seeking no gain in any way shape or form, save them."
"We both know there are only two ways to get out of one. Ginny has to either save Harry's life in a manner of equal or greater danger than she herself was saved or bind herself to him until he calls the debt fulfilled."
Ginny felt her jaw drop at the revelation. She had never considered the fact she owed Harry a Life Debt or what it would mean. She vaguely noted Ron's faced seem to purple a bit while he scowled at this bit of news. They continued to listen as their mother huffed at their father's points while her father continued.
"According to Ginevera, who other than Harry was the only witness to what happened in the Chamber, Harry fought a Sixty foot Basilisk! That monstrosity was over a thousand years old and Harry killed it! At Twelve! WITH A BLOODY SWORD OF ALL THINGS!"
"How, by Morgan's frigid arse, do you expect our daughter to top THAT? What can our daughter defend Harry against that beats something that kills with a look, has poisonous venom that has only ONE cure, has a body that is almost unassailable by magical or non-magical means, and do it without magic, and with a ruddy blade! Molly, it can't be done! She would have to kill You-Know-Who himself to have the debt nullified!"
"What do you think Harry's response to your trying to control him is going to be when he finds out? No, Molly, he will find out, make no mistake. This is Harry Bloody Potter we are talking about! If he doesn't figure it out you can bet Hermione will! Have you even thought of the consequences of this?"
"Harry could call the debt due at ANY time. If Harry decides that Ginevera has betrayed him he can, as is his right by the magical laws that govern these kinds of debts, bind her to him as his Concubine! Our only daughter will be no better than a house-elf or pleasure slave. Is that the life you want for our daughter?"
Molly's voice challenged, but sounded a bit unsure to the listeners. "Harry wouldn't do that, he's a good boy…"
"Like Hell he wouldn't! Dumbledore tried to take Hermione from him and they did a runner! Do you honestly think that Harry would not see the value of binding Ginny to him over this plan of yours?"
"If he didn't, I would wager our last knut Hermione would. You want them together, and for the prank alone I can easily see him taking our daughter as his Concubine to give that to you, and he would STILL have Hermione! And even as her father, I wouldn't be able to blame him if he did! It would be his right by honor and magic."
"Now don't forget that I also owe Harry. If not for Harry I would have died by You-Know-Who's snake! I don't care how he knew, I don't care how he saw it, I know he did and because of him getting to Dumbledore and telling him I am alive. Unlike you, I haven't forgotten what I owe the boy. Understand I have no intention of forgetting it either. It is only because of Harry I am even alive to have this argument with you!"
Both teens shook their heads as their father kept raging against their mother. Both slightly shocked and awed at his staying power which until this moment only their mother ever attained. "And what about the Twins? Were you aware that Harry gave them a thousand Galleons to start their business? For no other reason than for friendship Harry gave our son's, whom you said would never amount to anything, a Thousand Galleons to start their joke shop. Who gives away that much money for Friendship?"
"Bloody Hell, they make almost as much as Bill does on a good dig for Gringotts! The difference is Bill has to get lucky to get the bonus reward; they do it each and every month! They even have a premise in Diagon alley. Our sons who only got three O.W.L.s each and who don't even have their N.E.W.T.'s, who are barley of age, run a successful business in one of the only market centers of our kind. And it's all thanks to Harry!"
"Half our family owes Harry for one reason or another and I will be damned if I am going to let you forget that. You keep prattling on about what we owe Dumbledore, We don't owe him Shite! It is Harry whom we owe, two of us for our very lives, and two others for their livelihood and dreams. What has Dumbledore done for us compared to Harry?"
Molly's voice rose to match her husband's pitch. "They are too young to be acting in such Adult ways! It's just not done Arthur, it's not proper!"
The Head of Clan Weasley laughed. "According to whom? You? I still have the marks on my back Molly when I got caught by Apollyon Pringle the night we made love by the lake during our fifth year at Hogwarts."
"We were the same ages as they are now. You weren't so 'proper' then as I recall. Not even ten lashes from Pringles whip could wipe the smile off my face from that night. For Merlin's sake Molly, I was raw for three days! And I am not talking about my BACK!"
"That was different; Arthur and you know it…"
XxXDaRXxX
The youngest of the Weasley men paced his room. To say he was angry would have been an understatement. He was apoplectic with rage at what he had learned.
"Always knew there was something there going on behind my back… Harry bloody Potter gets everything. Money, fame, and now the bloody girl."
Ron stopped pacing a moment to look out his bedroom window. He could still hear his parents arguing somewhere in the house but he tuned it out. "He knew, Harry knew I liked her... He could have had anyone, anyone!"
Just as quickly as it came the fires within him burned out. Ron sat down on his bed brokenly. At least now he knew who she was seeing when she refused him. Not that the knowledge did anything for making him feel any better.
Five years of friendship gone. Ron shook his head as the situation really hit him. He couldn't do it. There was no way he could sit there smiling and be happy for Harry and Hermione when he loved her too. It would drive him barmy. So really, this was it. After everything they've done. After all their adventures in last five years, it was over.
His anger at Harry was still boiling in him. Ron's longing for Hermione reached out to the girl who didn't love him back. Ron half growled, half sighed as he flopped back on his bed. He felt like such a fool. How long did they hide this from him? Why didn't they tell him? Why didn't Hermione choose him instead of Harry?
Why did it suck so much to be Ron Weasley?
XxXDaRXxX
Ginny Weasley found herself later sitting by the swimming pond close to their family home deep in thought. The argument between her parents weighed heavily on her mind for several reasons and she had been here for some time thinking it through.
Her hand reached into her robes and withdrew a small stoppered vial. The noonday sun sparkled along the fine crystal as she slowly uncorked it. Twin spiraling wisps of smoke began to drift from the small neck; its mother of pearl sheen almost seemed to glow in the light.
Her mother had given her the vial a few days ago telling her how she was to use it. Not a lot, just a small dash into a confection or drink. Not enough for the full effects to take place, but just enough so that Harry would notice her.
As she contemplated the little vial she was hit by the smell. Fresh Rain, the musky sent of a quaffles leather, and something that was uniquely Harry. She recognized it from when he held her after he rescued her from Tom. The only other times she had smelled it was after Quidditch practice before he showered or during the few rigorous training sessions with the D.A. It was…a very pleasant scent.
Ginny admitted to herself that she was desperate enough to think of potions even before her Mother gave her the vial. Harry didn't notice her as a girl; just the sister to his friend Ron and it drove her mad.
She wanted him. There was something about him, his passionately intense soul searing eyes, or his constantly tousled 'just been shagged rotten' hair that made her shiver with desire. The few times during the last year when he would help her with her spell work in the illegal D.A. he had stood behind her helping her with wand movements. His voice so close to her ear it set her nerves on fire and filled her mind with all sorts of naughty things. She'd crushed and wanted him so much the longing was almost a painful experience.
Ginny continued the contemplation of the vial held lightly in her fingers. Could she do this? It's not like she was trying to enslave him, just get him to notice her as something more than Ron's sister. She wasn't bad looking; at least she didn't think so. She was definitely better looking than Hermione. She was thinner than Hermione and had a far better figure. She had noticed other boy's looks of appreciation of her physical assets so she knew she had something the male gender liked.
Granted her breasts were not as large as say, the Slytherin Daphne Greengrass, who had huge bits, still she always felt her B cups fit her frame. They shared a lot more interests than he did with Hermione too, they both loved to play Quidditch, whereas Hermione barely had a working knowledge of the sport.
Still, her father was right about one thing, even having this potion in her possession could get her in a lot of trouble with the Ministry. Getting caught using it against Harry would be catastrophic.
Ginny sighed, not to even think of the Life Debt she did owe him, and her father was right again, there was no way other than binding herself to Harry for her to repay it. Harry had saved her from Tom by vanquishing his memory. She would have to do something of the same, which meant killing.
She didn't even know if she could kill another human, much less He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. She had a hard enough time killing the chickens her mother raised. She was absolutely sure she didn't have the magical knowledge or power to do in the greatest dark wizard of the century, even if she had the willingness to do the deed itself. If she was honest with herself, she was not even sure Harry had that kind of power.
Which put her back on the binding herself to Harry. Her mother made a good point that being his wife, a title she would love to have, would satisfy the debt. But, if she crossed the line Harry was within his rights to claim her as his concubine, a position that she really didn't want to consider.
She was far too independent to be a slave, even if it was to Harry. What kind of life was that? Unable to have children unless he allowed it, assuming he even touched her in that manner. Considering his relationship with Hermione she would most likely be his house-elf. Maybe the Nanny to his and Hermione's children. Ginny shivered. No, that was not a life she wanted to have. Forever in subservience to him while watching him make babies with another girl.
A frown etched across her face. And what about Hermione? She owed Hermione too. She had been like the big sister she never had for the last couple of years. It was largely thanks to Hermione that she had recovered from Toms possession of her that first year. She was only able to talk to the older girl about it, and she had helped her so much.
Gryffindor Girls had a code of honor. They did not attempt to take the boy of another for any reason. Of course, like any rule, this did not seem to apply where Harry is concerned. It was an open hidden fact that any girl who managed to get her nails into the Boy-Who-Lived would have to fight to keep him. Hermione knew this as much as anyone.
Ginny nodded. That would explain why they kept it a secret then.
She felt tears began to fall down her face as she tipped the little bottle over allowing the potion to spill out into the pond. No, she would not do this. She was better than this. If by some chance they didn't work out, she would seek her claim then. Until then, if such a time ever happens, she would not interfere in their relationship. She owed the pair of them too much. She would just have to take Hermione's advice and seek another to be with. A boy who could see her as a girl, and maybe if she was lucky, would love her like Harry did Hermione.
Ginny stood up and held her head high. Yes, it was going to hurt. Yes it was going to be hard. But it was time let go of her girlhood crush. She was not sure that she could be friends with them anytime soon, and it hurt a bit at the loss, but she would not interfere. Maybe…maybe sometime in the future she could get over this and be there for them, but not right now. Right now she hurt too much.
She started to retrace her steps back to the Burrow. Once again she held up the little empty vial. The debt very much on her mind as a thought occurred to her. Whether she left them alone or not, the debt will always be there unless something was done about it.
Still contemplating the vial Ginny's eyes narrowed at the path her thoughts were taking her. The question was, could she actually pull it off?