Chapter 3
Dumbledore was one unhappy chess master. Two of his main pieces had slipped his control. He was handicapped in his attempts to regain control however. The two pieces were in muggle London where they could move around far better than his other pieces. The few trustworthy individuals under his control able to operate unnoticed in the muggle world were not always available when the loose pieces were detected.
To make things worse an initially promising fountain of information had dried up and the source was becoming nervous with worry. The source had skirted the edge of his employee oaths and was beginning to suspect his employer's interpretation of his actions might differ enough to put him over the knife's edge possibly quite literally.
Still he was relaxed confident in his knowledge his main two holds over Harry Potter would be returning to Hogwarts in a month bringing Potter back with them for Potter could no more leave Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger behind than he could exist without breathing and there was no way the book crazy, authority worshiping Granger wouldn't return to Hogwarts.
Young Ronald was everything he had requested from Molly Weasley when he'd visited her after leaving Harry with his abusive aunt and uncle. The promise of a portion of the Potter fortune had Molly diverting her attention from raising her older children in order to mold Ronald and his younger sister Ginevra into the two individuals Dumbledore had foreseen Harry would need.
Hermione Granger had the potential to be the proverbial fly in the ointment but her wonderfully naive outlook on the wizarding world and absolute trust in adults allowed him to manipulate her in to the perfect counterpoint to Ronald. Despite spending parts of the summer with the Weasley clan the young girl had never caught on to how woefully incapable Arthur was in dealing with the muggle world and he was the head of the misuse of muggle artifacts office. Any individual who was aware of the world around them would have realized a muggle born or even half blooded creature would have been better suited to such work.
Dumbledore did congratulate himself though his retention of those... mixed race creatures had gone up bringing even more of their money into the wizarding world. Money he was sure the goblins quickly converted into gold to make more galleons. Normally he lost a third of the half blooded and a full two thirds of the muggle born by third year his losses currently were less than a quarter of each. He did wonder what they would do when they finished Hogwarts and found nearly every ministry job and most of the better paying commercial jobs closed to them. Still there were exceptions for those with gifts Nymphadora Tonks was an auror despite being of mixed heritage, Why her talents were so special he'd even taken her in to his order despite the taint of having some muggle blood flowing through her body.
—Runaways—
The young couple had finally left their room and were walking around the basin abutting the hotel. Hermione was arguing for moving to another commonwealth country while Harry was still not convinced. As he looked over the basin he spotted a yacht slowly making it's way through the locks and out of the basin towards the Thames River. Motioning to the yacht Harry asked, "What do you think about that?"
"What the yacht?"
"Yea, if we had one we could move around and it looks like something we'd be able to ward pretty heavy."
"Harry they're very expensive. Even more so if you're looking at one that size it must be over 100 feet long."
"So we've got money and I want a big one."
"Let me think about it." Hermione said looking into Harry's eyes and seeing the excitement there. She realized her arguments against their buying a yacht would need to be well thought out.
That evening they had dinner at LePont De La Tour, Hermione having the steamed stone bass with sauce Matelote, while Harry had the Yorkshire game venison in red wine sauce. Harry appeared to be a slow eater but closer observation would reveal he was carefully watching Hermione for subtle etiquette clues.
It was as Hermione worked through the white chocolate and Malibu mouse with caramelized banana desert that she said, "The more I think about us and a yacht the better it sounds. I think it would be best to contact Pickflipper and see what he has to say."
"Really love?"
"Yes really. It will be a bit of a problem for Hedwig as there will be no field mice around at times. I'm sure we'll need a crew also but I don't want to raise issues that don't exist. Let's just treat this as a what if."
"Sounds good. When we're back at our room remind me to ask you something."
"Alright Harry." Hermione said taking another bite of her dessert. This whole evening had been decadent but Harry had insisted they do something special to celebrate their freedom from everyone.
Back at their hotel having just missed Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks who, on Dumbledore's direction had arrived at the restaurant only to find the individual they sought had left mere minutes before their arrivals, they sat down and Harry said, "You know there's something about Dumbledore's prophecy that is causing me confusion."
"What is it Harry?" Hermione asked looking around to see if anyone was listening close.
"Well you remember the prophecy right?"
"Word for word."
"Well the first part is a bit of garbage that supposedly identify me. It's the last sentence that has me puzzled."
Hermione sat back staring out the window not really seeing anything while she worked her way through the prophecy. "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies..." Harry's got that right all it does is identify him. "and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal," His equal? What the heck does that mean? Equal in power? Definitely not spell knowledge unless Harry has been really hiding his knowledge from me. It isn't enjoyment of power either Harry hates being thought of as anything but ordinary Harry. Still this isn't what Harry meant move on and think this sentence through later. Hermione thought prodding herself along. "but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not..." Harry still doesn't know what that is. Okay this must be the part Harry's talking about "and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives" (OP37) Either must die at the hands of the other? No he means the last statement. "For neither can live while the other survives." Well Harry's survived... no he's living! He married me, we're just like any other young couple, we are enjoying life. By all the definitions I know of Harry is living! That has to mean one of two things either the other didn't survive or the prophecy is false.
"I can tell by your eyes you've hit my point." Harry said from where he was watching her.
"You're not existing you are truly living life." Hermione said a smile gracing her face.
Harry nodded his agreement saying, "Right, if it is a true prophecy, which I am beginning to doubt I think it was fulfilled Halloween night 1981. Anything beyond that night is Dumbledore's imagination working overtime. To be honest I'm actually a bit worried that he's missing a few cards from his deck and no one dares tell him."
"No one is willing to tell the emperor he has no clothes?" Hermione essayed.
"Right in one. So what do we do about it?" That discussion actually lasted a lot shorter than either one expected. Allowing more time for them to enjoy their honeymoon although it was decided to hire Winky but they were going to wait until tomorrow to let Dobby know. They did not want to be interrupted tonight.
The next morning, make that nearer noon Harry contacted Pickflipper who arranged a meeting between them and one of Gringotts squib contacts in the muggle world, a Robert Egan account manager at Coutts for that afternoon. Luckily Robert was based in London and quite agreeable to coming to their hotel room.
"Mr. Potter, I'm Robert Egan and I represent Coutts Private Bank. What can I do for you today?"
"First call me Harry. This is my wife Hermione." Harry said causing Robert's eyebrows to rise. Of course he'd heard of Harry Potter and given the advance notice from Gringotts he'd done his research on Harry to insure he wasn't going into this meeting blind. Information after all was needed to make correct decisions, but there was no indication from his wizarding sources that Harry was married.
"We were married in Gretna five days ago on Harry's 16th birthday." Hermione explained.
Robert was about to ask about her parents but something in her tone caused him to reconsider that. "Pleased to meet you both. How can I assist you today?"
"I wish to purchase a yacht. Using a portion of the funds available in my mother's account." Harry stated calmly.
Robert thought through the paperwork he'd read in preparation for this meeting. Given the size of that account he could purchase just about any yacht he wanted on this year's income alone, keeping it fueled and crewed wouldn't even be a noticeable hit in future years. Mrs. Potter's will had been probated so he was clear to use that account. "Harry I can assist you with a large number of services the purchasing of a yacht being only one of them. I do have a few questions though. Have you thought about chartering one instead of buying and just what size and type of yacht did you have in mind?"
"Hermione and I plan to live aboard and given our unique situation we both felt it would be easier to ward the yacht if we owned it. As for size I would like something that is ocean going. I do not want to be restricted in my travels. I saw one leaving the basin behind the hotel yesterday that was a good size so we would not be in each other's way."
"I'd be concerned regarding magic interfering with the muggle electrical systems on board." Robert stated carefully not knowing how these two would react to his input.
"I have my godfather's motorcycle that he shielded the electric system on. I was thinking of doing something similar with the yacht." Harry replied honestly.
"I am aware various militaries have what they call hardened electrical and electronic systems. I wonder if anyone has checked to see if those are effective against magic?" Hermione asked.
"I'll look in to that aspect. What about a crew and how many family or friends might be traveling with you?" Robert responded starting a long discussion that soon had everyone including Dobby offering their input.
—Runaways—
After a day long search by him and an assistant for a suitable yacht Bob Egan called Dave Hammersmith a fellow squib asking, "Dave, Bob Egan here do you still hold a valid Master's license?"
"Of course, wouldn't do to let that lapse. It can come in handy at the oddest times."
"Like right now. How about that Chief Engineer you've been shacking up with does she still hold a valid Engineer's license?"
"Yea, what's up Bob? This is the first time you've asked me about my papers in a while."
"I've got a job for you and your bed buddy if you two want it. It could be only a few days but it has the potential to be more, possibly a lot more."
"Who do we have to kill?" Dave Hammersmith asked joking with his oldest friend.
"Funny real funny. I've taken a two weeks bare bones charter on a yacht for sale in Rotterdam and need a Captain. If you're willing all you two need to do is to show up with some papers I'll give you and both your licenses in hand. You'll probably need to hire a few deck hands to bring it over and up the Thames. Once you're here we'll off load that crew and load a new one. You take the couple that comes on board anywhere they wish for the two weeks. If they like the setup they'll buy the yacht and no doubt do some modifications. If they like you and you like them you're set until you decide to part ways."
"I'll need a first mate and possible a second to help navigate. I can't drive the damn thing 24 hours a day you know."
"Hire who you need to get the job done for two weeks, squibs only though and they along with you will need to submit either an oath or to memory charms." Bob Egan said his tone hard.
"What the..."
"Trust me before you get too deep you'll know who and why. The individuals involved want total privacy in this venture."
"I know a few who might go along with it." Dave allowed.
"Alright then. Come in tomorrow morning at a reasonable hour and I'll give you the papers you'll need to collect the boat and get it through all customs checks, along with a charge card to fuel it."
"What about food and stuff?"
"Buy only enough to get you here. We'll load her up proper once you're here and the new crew is on board." Bob replied.
"Sounds interesting I'll see you tomorrow. You will need to set me up with a rental I can drop off there and book the passage to Calais on a ferry tomorrow evening for two."
"Why me?"
"Because your people always get the best. If they do it I know I won't be driving some little underpowered box." Dave replied hanging up before turning to his bedmate saying, "We've got a two week job starting tomorrow."
As Bob Egan was finding the yacht and making all the required arrangements to take custody the Potters were adding one more to their family. It took the promise of allowing her to help care for babies in the future but Winky was soon bonded to the Potter family although it was to Harry as Hermione was still reluctant to be the one the elf bonded to.
—Runaways—
Dan and Emma Granger were looking around a dental practice in Wellington, New Zealand on Adelaide Rd. nodding as the current owner showed them around his practice. Taking in the colorful wall designs and decorations. "Looks like something we'd like to buy into." Dan nodded.
"I was thinking more about you two taking it over and letting me retire outright." The owner replied.
"What about your current staff and patients? Would they be willing to stay if we took it over completely?" Emma asked.
"I think so I've talked about retiring for a few years. You two seem friendly enough that I think most of the staff and patients will stay. We can always ask the staff later today."
"Alright let's do this. Our licenses for here were approved yesterday once we presented our British licenses, work permits, and preliminary immigration paperwork." Dan said nodding as he looked around the practice one last time.
"Have you two settled in to your new home?" the owner asked.
"We just closed on a lease for a nice place over in Karori West. We figured we'd lease for a short while until we get all situated then find a place to buy." Dan said watching as the emotions of acquiring a new business started to get to his wife. Cutting the conversation short he soon had her in their hired car heading back to the hotel.
"Dan she should be here! I mean look there that's Massey University. She can earn a degree there that's recognized around the world. Why did she have to run off and get married to that no good boy! Do you remember him from the train station? Lout didn't look like he had two quid to his name. How's he going to take care of our little girl? We shouldn't have left her there Dan!"
"Emma, our move here was all set the old practice was sold, our paperwork was all submitted, and we had the plane tickets. Honey we had to move. I miss my little girl too. I think the worst decision I ever made was when I let her and that witch talk me into allowing her to attend that boarding school in Scotland." Dan said banging the steering wheel in frustration.
Emma started to correct her husband then stopped as she realized witch was the correct term for the woman that visited them. "Isn't there anything we can do?" Emma asked.
"I've already made arrangements with the New Zealand embassy in England to notify us and offer her a plane ticket to here should she visit. Don't forget Hermione also had her ticket for our flight when we left and she can exchange it anytime in the next year for another one to here. I suppose we could send a letter to her at that damn school explaining everything and well asking her to let us know how things are going. We could also add there's always a place for her here."
Emma nodded her agreement too choked up to do anything else. That night after a lot of tears and introspection Emma wrote a long letter to her daughter letting her know she'd always be welcome even if she were accompanied and posted it the her school the next day.
—Runaways—
Dave Hammersmith watched as the Thames pilot boarded. He had just the short journey from Rotterdam to get used to this yacht and didn't feel comfortable bringing the 220 foot 67 meter long five deck high ship up the Thames to the dock he'd been assigned. The formal dining room in this thing sat 16. Not to mention the bloody grand piano in the lounge. He just shook his head at the size of this thing thinking, 'Bob said it was for only two people... Two damn rich people who were probably Lord and Lady who ha and barely able to move around on their own. They'd better be bringing their own staff with them I ain't no fancy butler.'
In their suite at the Hilton Hermione looked over at Harry saying, "Bob Egan said the yacht would be here today and ready for us to move on board tomorrow."
"Yea, When they picked up Sirius's motorcycle to examine Gringotts representative said they needed a night to do some minor warding on the yacht to protect us. I guess they'll be putting food and moving the elves aboard under the cover of night too. I can't wait to get away on it. You know it will be the first time I've ever been on a ship?"
"So you've said several times. Any place special you want to go?" Hermione asked smiling at the exuberance of her husband.
"Not really there are a few things I want to see... Oh, look at that thing will you." Harry said watching a big yacht maneuver through the locks controlling access to the dock area behind the hotel.
Hermione walked over and looked out the windows taking in the raked appearance, helicopter pad, and aft stairs before asking, "Do you think that's ours?"
Harry was about to reply when the phone in their suite rang. Harry answered it speaking for a minute then hung up saying, "That was Bob Egan. He called to say our yacht was due any moment and he'd be over tomorrow morning first thing to introduce us to the captain and help with any issues. I guess that one out there is ours then."
"Harry it's huge!" Hermione exclaimed.
"That it is. I did say I wanted something that was a good size so we would not be in each other's way and Ocean going, that does fill the bill rather well. Hey Dobby, Winky, come look at where we'll be living for the next two weeks." Harry replied taking his time looking over the yacht shocked at what a little conversation could bring about.
Dobby and Winky appeared at Harry's summons and followed his gaze to see the yacht pulling in. "Is that where we'll be living?" Dobby asked a bit confused.
"Yes Dobby we move there tomorrow."
"Dobby not understand why move so close but Dobby will be happy it looks like there's lots for Dobby to polish," as a still timid Winky nodded vigorously in agreement.
The following morning after dropping several letters off to be mailed with the hotel's desk clerk Lord and Lady Potter moved aboard their home for the next two weeks. "This yacht was ordered by an individual who paid for it before they began construction. By the time it was finished he was in jail and unable to move aboard. The government actually took possession of it and is willing to sell for a very good price. Even if you don't buy it to live aboard I believe that with the right crew you could turn a good profit leasing it out to various well off individuals who don't want the hassle of owning their own yacht." Bob Egan informed them as he gave them a tour.
—Runaways—
The day after Harry and Hermione's departure Hogwarts Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall received an owl post from the Diagon alley general post office. It was a bit unusual for her to receive mail this week so she sat back in her comfortable chair by the fireplace where she'd graded papers for decades and with a wee dram of golden nectar from one of Scotland's Isles on the table beside her she looked to see who had written to her. Opening it a picture fell out. Setting the picture aside she read the letter.
Professor McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts
Head of Gryffindor House,
Dear Professor,
We wish to inform you of several facts:
First when Sirius Black's will was read Harry was emancipated and as of that date has assumed his position as Lord Potter head of the house of Potter.
Second on July 31st of this year Harry and I were married at Gretna. Thus as Lord Potter he is responsible for both of us.
Third given all that has happened to us during our previous years in your school and after an intense discussion we both feel it is in our best interest to not continue our education at your fine institution.
Any correspondence including our owl scores should be forwarded to Gringotts Bank care of the Potter Estate Manager. We also request you forward a copy of our academic records. Should there be a charge for these services please inform Gringotts and our estate manager will decide if it is a reasonable expenditure.
We hope you enjoy the picture it was a magical day.
Thanks for your help over the years,
Lord Harry and Lady Hermione Potter.
Shaking her head Minerva set the letter aside and took the enclosed picture in hand. It was of a young couple in a standard wedding album pose. A kilt wearing Harry Potter stood next to Hermione Granger who was resplendent in a strapless full length cream colored wedding dress with a tartan sash draped over her left shoulder held together by an intricate broach at the shoulder. The couple was standing behind a Crystal Anvil she recognized immediately as the one she and her now departed husband had stood before. Downing the Dram of Scottish nectar before filling the glass with a bit more of the nectar she examine the picture a bit closer. The tartan pattern caught her eye and she studied it for a minute before realization kicked in. It required more than just picking it out to be allowed to wear that pattern. Transfiguring the photo to life size and levitating it before her she closely examined both of their outfits noting their accessories matched the tartan and that knowledge did not bode well for whatever Albus's plans were.
She wasn't sure how long she'd been lost in her own memories of that Crystal Anvil and how that had changed her life before she came back to the current day. But it was long enough for her to have lowered the level in her bottle of Scottish nectar significantly. After one last look at the picture Minerva returned it to it's original size before putting it in the drawer on her side table where she kept her mementoes before gathering up the letter and reluctantly heading for the headmaster's office. When it got out the boy who lived had chosen not to attend Hogwarts for his sixth year. Well she didn't want to consider the repercussions that would engender. She suspected a number of pureblooded families would be ecstatic, while a number of others wouldn't be. She'd leave all that for Dumbledore to deal with after all he had the big title and received the big bucks. Walking the hall she wondered if she should inform him about the tartan pattern the newlyweds were wearing. Recalling he'd always teased her about her Scottish heritage she thought she'd keep that bit of information to herself, along with their picture sitting in her table, unless he asked her directly.
—Runaways—
Several other owls were busy delivering owls to: The Burrow, Longbottom Manor, and The Rookery. All with basically the same message, Harry and Hermione send their regrets but they would not be at Hogwarts this year but could be reached through Gringotts. None of these letters contained pictures nor mentioned the Potters leaving England. To be honest they were quite curt just conveying the news without elaboration.
Molly Weasley looked up from where she was preparing lunch for her family to watch her youngest children tossing garden gnomes out of the yard. Over their heads she spotted an owl flying towards her. Wondering what was going on she took a close look at the bird matching its appearance against those owned by family friends. Unable to match the appearance she had her wand out as the owl flew towards her two youngest. "Ron, Ginny in the house now!" she bellowed out the open window her tone one that she knew would command instant obedience.
"What's up Mum?" Ron asked as he entered the Burrow's kitchen with his sister right behind him.
"There's an owl coming that I don't recognize I just wanted you two inside until I find out what that owl wants." Molly replied as the owl entered and stood on the kitchen table held out a leg with a letter attached to the two youngsters.
Molly waived her wand casting detection charms before looking at her youngest son saying, "It's clean as far as I can tell. Why don't you remove it Ron."
"It's from Hermione." Ron said recognizing the handwriting as he took the letter from the owl, which promptly flew off.
"What does she have to say?" Molly asked watching her son open the letter and hold it up so his younger sister couldn't read it over his shoulder.
"Oh bloody hell!"
"Ron language!" his sister called out ripping the letter from his hands and beginning to read it only to scream, "That bloody bitch!" moments later.
"There is no need for that type of language from either of you." Molly reprimanded them while grabbing for the letter.
"Mum that mudblood skank has gone and married my Harry and she's calling herself Lady Potter now. She always did her best to keep Harry to herself at school. I guess having married the boy-who-lived she now feels it's time to start acting all high born. Like she's not just an uppity mudblood who got an innocent wizard in her clutches," Ginny replied glaring at the letter like she wanted to burn it. Ignoring the fact her brother was one of the girl in question's best friends.
"I'm sure it's all a misunderstanding. They are only sixteen after all and that's too young to get married. Seventeen is the minimum age although I expect you both to be older than that when your time comes. I'll owl Dumbledore and he'll straighten this out, he always does," Molly said thinking, 'Although this might explain why Albus wouldn't let Harry come over for a party on his birthday.'
—Runaways—
At Longbottom Manor a similar scene began to unfold as Augusta Longbottom matriarch of the Longbottom family drew her wand at the sight of an approaching owl. Once she was assured of the letters safety however things progressed differently.
"Neville you have a letter from a girl if the handwriting is any indication." Augusta called out to her grandson who was busy in the greenhouse she'd had built on to the manor after his first year at Hogwarts and Professor's Sprout's glowing praise of her grandson.
It took a few moments but shortly a teen on the verge of manhood entered the manor shaking off the loose dirt that had accumulated on his clothes. Spotting the owl he removed the letter making the comment, "Looks like Hermione's handwriting. Wonder what she wants?"
After a few moments of reading he looked at his Grandmother asking, "Don't suppose you'd consider letting me quit Hogwarts and use tutors for the rest of my education would you?"
Augusta was puzzled normally her grandson couldn't wait to board the train to return to Hogwarts. "What's going on Nev?" she asked.
"Harry Potter and Hermione Granger got married and they are not returning to Hogwarts. It also looks like Harry's claimed his inheritance. They signed the letter Lord Harry and Lady Hermione Potter."
"And that means exactly what as far as your concerned."
"It means my two best friends will not be at school. It also means the main defender of Hogwarts students who are not family members of death eaters or their supporters is no longer at school." Neville explained.
"Dumbledore is still there." Augusta replied confused by his statement.
"Dumbledore is the one who employs a death eater as a professor and was unable to recognized one of his 'dear friends' was a death eater under Polyjuice despite being in the castle together for nine months straight. Dumbledore along with Professor Snape also allow Slytherin students to harass and abuse any students they wish and prevents any of the other professors from interfering. Now that Harry and Hermione have left school I will be at the top of their list for fun and games. I just hope I can remember everything I learned from Harry last year." Neville said firmly his self-confidence setting his grandmother back a step.
"Surely it isn't that bad?" she inquired.
Neville sighed he'd never told her about all the goings on because he wanted to return to Hogwarts now his position was reversed and it was time to tell her the truth. "Gran, You know who Draco Malfoy's aunt is. Well he is always going on about how I must be loosing my mind along with a lot of other snide comments. Also as good as Professor Sprout is in teaching Herbology Professor Snape is worse at teaching potions. I know from my readings that my skill in Herbology should transfer to potions a lot better than it does. He is constantly berating me personally along with any non-Slytherins in his classes."
Augusta Longbottom sat quietly for a few moments contemplating how bad things had become at her old school. Finally she looked at her grandson saying, "Neville, we are well off. If you would prefer the money I'd spend on your Hogwarts tuition can be spent on tutors. The NEWTs you'd get wouldn't be as impressive as if you'd studied at Hogwarts but combined with the Longbottom name they shouldn't be a hindrance once you decide on an occupation."
"Thanks Grand mum." Neville replied standing and heading for the door back to the greenhouse. He stopped before leaving asking, "Gran can one of those tutors be a dueling instructor?"
Augusta saw the look in his eyes and with a smile said, "Of course Neville. I'll contact Gringotts to stop Hogwarts automatic deduction and ask them for a list of tutors they recommend. Is there any school friends that might like to join you?" Seeing him blush she probed a bit harder, "Neville who would you like to study with?"
Neville knew this was a battle he really didn't want to win. "Gran, there's a girl who's a year below me she's quite smart but..."
Thinking through the children she remembered seeing at the train station Augusta asked, "The youngest Weasley?"
A shudder passed through Neville as he quickly replied, "No, I know she's the one I took to the Yule ball but there's something off about her.. I wanted to ask Luna Lovegood to join me, she's the blond that got off the express with us."
"Lovegood, Doesn't her father write that weird newspaper?"
"He publishes the Quibbler if that is the one you mean. She's a bit unusual but she's really nice and quite smart."
Augusta studied her grandson for a moment. Noting he stood a bit straighter when he mentioned the girl and was quick to come to her defense. Realizing this young lady might be one of the causes of the change in her grandson from nervous preteen to a confident young man made the decision for her. Augusta replied, "I'll send her father a letter inviting her to study with you. It's not urgent enough to warrant an unsolicited fire call."
"Thanks Gran," Neville replied heading out to his greenhouse with a bounce in his step.
'Augusta you called that one right old girl,' she thought to herself as she watched him leave.
—Runaways—
At the Rookery things went slightly different. The owl came straight to Luna who removed the letter and after reading it approached her father saying, "Daddy Harry and Hermione have left school. I won't be going back to Hogwarts. So you can stop paying them."
"You sure pumpkin?"
"Yes daddy, you should be hearing from someone in the next few days about my studies." Luna said turning back to the book she was reading.
Mr. Lovegood shook his head. Luna was such a confusing child she always seemed to know what was happening before it did. —Runaways—
The same day at the Finch-Fletchley household Justin opened a letter he'd received via muggle post.
Justin,
We hope your summer is going well and have a task for you if you wish to attempt it. We were looking for a way to contact the normal government and inform them of the goings on in our world. It turns out you are our best option. Your father's godmother is in the know about us, according to the older history books. I would suggest you find a way to accompany your father to meet with her and casually mention the school we attend. That name acts as a password. You should then be able to warn her about "V" and the problems occurring in our world thus allowing her to protect herself and family along with informing whomever she wishes.
We will not be at Hogwarts this year but can be reached through Gringotts.
Have a safe year,
Harry and Hermione Potter.
—Runaways—
Dave Hammersmith looked around at the yacht smiling at being a Captain with a boat again. He'd figured his clients were magical given the requirement for hiring squibs, probably fleeing England if the few reports he'd heard from that world were any indication but when he saw the large lorry pull up once night had truly fallen and an assortment of individuals started moving supplies onboard just piling them on the fantail's teak deck. He started to protest concerned they expected him and his two squib companions to move the lot when a group of house elves appeared taking everything below decks. He'd gone to look for Bob Egan to express his concerns about magic and the yacht's sensitive electronics. When he'd found him Bob was quick to reassure him the elves were well aware of just where they could do magic and where they could not. Bob also assured him that two crew rooms were sufficient for the new crew, one for the elves and one for the goblins to share.
"What about the deck hands we'll need entering and leaving London not to mention any port they chose to visit?" Dave had queried.
"You will have two individuals assist you in leaving London then they will Portkey back to land. Should they be needed again notify the Goblins early and they will arrange for them to Portkey back aboard, you should only have to stop the yacht for a few moments to allow the transfers to take place."
"Goblins, I'm going to have Goblins on board?" Dave asked looking at Bob in shock.
"Only two, a Grapsnout and a Horntooth. They'll be working in the engine room. They are here to learn how the engines work and how to take care of them I'm sure your Chief Engineer can manage to teach them what they need to know."
Dave just shook his head at the thought of telling his significant other there were goblins to teach. "Any other surprises?" Dave asked.
"Just who your clients are. They wanted to witness the privacy and non-disclosure oaths you three are taking so I'm going to go bring them on board." Bob said disappearing up the ramp to the hotel before returning a minute later with two individuals following him.
"These their kids?" Dave asked Bob Egan watching the two teenagers board.
"Actually no we are your clients," the young woman said drawing Ben's eyes to her before they snapped back to look at the boy beside her.
"Not a word Captain," the young woman said with surprising firmness watching Ben's eyebrows rise as his jaw dropped.
"She's right Dave let's go inside were you and the other two can give your oaths." Bob Egan said ushering everyone inside the main salon.
Once inside with the door's shut Harry finally spoke saying, "I need your oaths first then I'll answer your questions."
Bob passed a sheet of paper to Dave Hammersmith who read it then gave the oaths required before passing it to the other two who followed.
"Right then, as you've no doubt figured out from the oaths you just gave I'm Lord Harry James Potter though I do prefer to be addressed as Harry. This is my wife Lady Hermione Jane Potter who prefers to be addressed as Hermione. We have completed our fifth year at Hogwarts and are taking at least a year off before deciding what to do."
"Excuse me but isn't Hogwarts a seven year school?" The first mate asked.
"Yes it is Mister Jones," Hermione said looking at him as the answer was totally obvious.
"Just asking. If you two want to take a year off who am I to question it? By they way if we're going all first name here I'd prefer you call me Henry."
"And I'm Dave Hammersmith. However I prefer Captain Dave if you don't mind."
"Thanks Captain Dave, Henry, The Goblins have assured me they can maintain several temporary wards around this yacht that should prevent us from being found for the next two weeks. What we'd like to do is just travel around at sea for two weeks. That should give Hermione and I sufficient time to determine if we like living aboard. If we do we'll buy the yacht and have it... What were they going to do Hermione?" Harry said looking to his wife as he finished.
"I believe they said dry-dock it to install permanent wards and improve the quarters for the goblins and elves."
"Is there any place special you'd like to see during your two weeks?" Dave asked trying to mentally plot a cruse that would take two weeks.
"The only thing I want to see is the White Cliffs of Dover lit by the morning sun." Harry said shrugging his shoulders trying to imply he really didn't have any ideas.
"That is quite easy to do I take it there is nothing else you'd like to see?"
"The summer before my tenth birthday my parents decided to earn end to ender certificates. We spent a few days traveling from one end of England to the other before returning home. I was wondering if we could sail around England in the time we have?" Hermione asked speaking up and surprising Harry.
Dave looked to Harry who had an agreeing smile on his face. "Let me check I've never done that either but it sounds like a perfect one-upmanship come back when someone at a cocktail party trots out their end to ender certificate. We probably should take pictures at Land's end and John o'Groats to verify the claim." Dave said a smile growing on his face the more he thought about it.
"Dobby get wizarding camera." The house elf said popping out before anyone could stop him.
"Well why don't we leave Captain Dave to make his plans while I show you the rest of this yacht." Bob Egan said heading for a doorway.
"Let us know when you begin to leave I suspect the trip out this dock and down the Thames is something we don't want to miss." Hermione said before following Bob out the door.
"It won't happen until Bob is back on the dock and we have a pilot aboard. By the way the Harbor Pilot is due half an hour after sun rise." Captain Dave said a bit loudly.
"I guess I have a timetable then." Bob's voice came back through the open doorway before Harry followed Hermione through shutting it behind him.
Half an hour to the second after the sun rose they waved goodbye to Bob Egan from the Verandah deck before going inside and taking the owners seats against the back wall of the bridge watching the harbor pilot and Captain Dave take the yacht out of the dock and down the Thames. Harry thought reading about the Thames Barrier in school was interesting but sailing through it took the prize as far as he was concerned. For Hermione however it was passing under the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. She'd thought the yacht was big but passing under it made her realize just how small the yacht really was. It was an eye-opening trip for both of them as they never realized just how much of a seaport there was along the Thames.
Dobby served breakfast as they entered the Thames estuary. Harry and Hermione eating in a small nook back in the main area of the yacht where they could watch the coastline go by while Winky served the crew in their dining room with a small tray on the bridge for Henry who was currently controlling the yacht with the pilot now disembarked.
"Dobby are you safe here where anyone with binoculars could see you?" Hermione asked.
Dobby nodded his head rapidly causing his ears to flap before replying, "Dobby charmed windows you can look out but no one can look in. Dobby did same thing at hotels. Dobby keep you safe."
Harry and Hermione exchanged looks before Harry said, "Thanks Dobby."
After they'd finished Captain Dave joined them and they discussed a counter clockwise trip around England. They'd start by sailing up the east coast until they reached northern Scotland. "We'll use the passage between John o'Groats and Scapa Flow going slowly insuring plenty of time for pictures." Dave said stopping when he saw Harry's face light up.
"Will we be able to see Scapa Flow?"
"It will be off to our right in the distance as we make our way though the passage between Scotland proper and Stroma." Dave replied watching Harry's eyes to gage his reaction. When he saw them go dim Dave continued, "Although it would be possible to take a hard turn to starboard after John o'Groats and sail through Scapa Flow. I recall an outlet to the west from the charts. I just have to make sure this baby will fit through there."
"That would be great if you could do that Captain Dave," Hermione said smiling along with her husband. Glad there was something else beyond the Dover cliffs that Harry found interesting about this voyage. "Will we be out of sight of land for most of the voyage?"
"We can do it either way Hermione. Which would the two of you prefer?"
"I think out of sight. It will be a much more realistic experience for us. If we do decide to buy this I'm sure we'll be doing some long trips in her." Hermione replied drawing a nod of agreement from Harry.
Turning to Harry after Captain Dave left Hermione asked, "Scapa Flow Harry?"
"One of my teachers in primary school was stationed there during the second world war. She used to tell me the most interesting stories of her time there. I think she was office staff for one of the admirals. So yes I've always wanted to see the place. Never thought I would of course."
After short break Captain Dave walked up to Henry as he navigated the ship and started discussing how things were going in preparation for Dave to take the next shift. They were interrupted when the very slight but constant vibration from the ships engines stopped causing Henry to look over and verify the engines were still driving the yacht through the light chop at 15 knots. Dave was reaching for the phone to the engine room when a woman entered. She wasn't beautiful in the modern model sense being overweight by their standards. However in a different time and place she would have aroused every males attention along with unvoiced comments complementing her breeding hips, good solid build and well proportioned curves. "Don't worry boys. It's just that goblin and house elf at work."
"What are you talking about Mabel?" Dave asked his live in chief engineer.
"Their crazy house elf came in saying, "noises might be bothering Master and Mistress" before trying to charm the engines."
"Did you kill him or not?" Dave asked knowing how protective she was of any engine she was responsible for.
"Didn't have to. Grapsnout stopped him and they fought for a bit before coming to an agreement. The Goblins are in charge of charming anything to do with the engine room and the crew areas. That damned elf got the rest of the ship. I left just as Horntooth started on one of the engine mounts while Grapsnout watched the engine to insure he didn't cause any problems. Don't worry I made them both assure me it wouldn't affect the engines. But I wanted one watching while the other one did the charms to insure there wasn't any problems."
"And you trust them?" Henry asked looking at Mabel.
"Yes I did. First off they're goblins. They won't tell you they can do something they can't. Something about loosing face then head. Secondly they both know those engines pretty well. I've been quizzing them and they've past every quiz without a problem. Horntooth told me they've been in an intense study program since this yacht was selected learning the engines and other mechanical systems.
"So how am I suppose to know when something's off?" Dave asked perturbed.
"Use the gages like Henry just did. Besides your crazy ability to feel my engines better than I could always gave me the willies." Mabel replied.
"So any idea what the crazy house elf is up to?" Henry asked.
"I'm not sure. Oh by the way he gave us each a bell to summon the other house elf if we need something." Mabel said pulling two bells out of her coveralls before passing each of her companions one.