FicWad

Chapter 13:- The Founding

**
A/N: I'll like to thank Malehorntaildragon for his help.

**

Dumbledore almost collapsed into his chair as the fatigue washed over him. The trip the Hospital and Harry had drained what little reserves he had left. He let his body just relax into the comfort of his chair and tried to calm his racing mind. He had told Harry everything that he had asked but knew that there was much more that needed to be said. He hadn't wanted to sound so evasive, but Harry's questions were not as simple as they appeared to an outsider. He closed his eyes just for a second but he knew that if he didn't open them straight away he would fall asleep at his desk.

Looking over the pile of letters arranged on his desk he realised that he had indeed been away at the worst time. He had thought that the trip he took was of the utmost importance. In his mind there was nothing more important than that trip, but now he was not so sure. For now the second time in the past week he was questioning himself and he began to feel uneasy. He easily remembered his feelings of seeing Harry lying on the Hospital bed. A hospital bed that he didn't control and also for a reason he didn't know about. For the whole of Harry's life he had been aware of what was happening to him up until now. The shock of seeing Harry there was complete and it drained much of his will.

The others present in the room had also shocked him. He did not want the attention, he even when out of the way to avoid it, but when he entered the room he was almost ignored by all. Everyone was more concerned with Harry and being near him. Even poor Susan had not wanted to talk to him or allow him to help her, all she wanted was to talk to Harry. He did force himself to look in on Gabrielle, his natural curiosity had forced him to seek her out but when he did it answered no questions. She had been lying asleep, like the rest, but it was clear that she was content the small smile that played on her lips told him so.

Gathering up his papers he moved them to one side so that he had a clear desk. He needed room to think, to study, to plan. If the shock of Harry's actions were not bad enough then what Voldemort had done was. He had suspected that something was going to happen but never so soon. Telling himself that he would have never left had he known what was to happen was also a lie. He was playing the bigger game, the final match, not this small skirmish, as messy as it was it would not change the end.

Looking suddenly up at Fawkes he asked his bird the question that was beginning to haunt him day and night.

"Am I like him? Please tell me I'm not like him?"

The bird just looked with its jet black eyes deep into Dumbledore's core. It just continued to look and didn't even make one note of song to brighten the mood.

"I did what I thought, what I still think was the best." Cried Dumbledore at the bird.

Still the phoenix sat their looking at the man.

Dumbledore placed his hand in his robe pocket and drew out the object that had caused his absence. The shinny black ring with the small symbol of a snake mocked him, but it was worth it. Wasn't it?

He continued to stare at the ring but found no answers within its face. Resolving to return to that particular problem he set to work on his next problem as he pulled the top letter from the pile.

**

Draco looked at his forearm and studied at the damage upon it. He had hoped that by now it would be back to normal but the dark mark could still be clearly seen. The swollen puffy edges were still very painful to the touch and everything that he knew to try and lessen the pain was ineffective. Gently rolling down his sleeve he looked over the documents in front of him again.

His farther had left a lot of information around the house but most of it was hidden. He had only once ventured into the dungeons below the house to find more of it only to find that the dungeons were protected by more magic than he had ever seen. He had thought to ask his mother about the documents he had seen but stopped himself, she had been a fine wife to his farther, according to the diary that he had read, but that was all, she was no confident no partner, just a wife.

He looked along the list and saw the beginning of a plan, it was not one that he had thought of, in fact he found most of it in one of his dad's secret compartments but he had managed to see the possibilities. The thought of killing Dumbledore turned his stomach but he had to do it if he wanted to live. The image of Voldemort striding into Amelia Bones house rose to Draco's mind. No matter how he tried to look at it he knew that it would be foolish to go against that man's wishes. The power and control that he had shown was total.

Leaving his little desk behind he walked out to find his mother. A trip to Diagon Alley was needed but if he went on his own it might cause problems. Walking into one of the drawing rooms he saw that his Aunt was there as well. He was seeing more of her than he had ever done and wondered what the reasoning behind it was. Had Voldemort sent her to keep and eye on him?

"Mother we need to go to the Alley."

"Draco I'm talking to your mother a little courtesy would be nice." Called out Bellatrix.

Draco felt the magic inside of him build. For some reason the tone or something pulled at his inside. How dare a woman and one such as her speak to him like that? Without thinking he opened his mouth.

"Shut up woman, when I speak you will listen. I don't need a lesson of courtesy from the likes of you!"

Bellatrix's face showed the utter surprise at being addressed in such a manner but before she could respond her sister had spoken up.

"It's alright Draco. She did not mean anything by it. When would you like to go, now?"

Draco looked at his mother and felt the fury subside within him as his mind caught up with the question.

"No...no, not now, next week but early, arrange it." He ordered as he turned and left, his insides singing with the pressure of control.

"How...how...."spluttered Bellatrix at the retreating from of her nephew.

"It's alright Bell that's how Lucius was."

"But...but..." continued the stunned woman.

"He's been getting worse, more like his father every day, since..."

"Since when."

"That night."

"Oh." Was all that Bellatrix could respond.

"Anyway we have a little time. As I asked will you come with me tonight?"

"Why do you want to see him?"

"I must, you've seen Draco. We need help, you said that you won't or can't help me so he's the only chance."

"But why do you trust him so."

"I have no other choice."

Bellatrix looked at Narcissa and nodded once. She may not like it but she, as well, had no choice.

**

Voldemort walked slowly through the large imposing gate entrance. Immediately he saw with grim satisfaction that this place was perfect. Almost everything about the location and building was perfect. He had trouble controlling the glee within himself as he took his first steps up the main drive way. His imagination ran wild at what this place would eventually mean. This would soon be the centre of the wizarding world and nothing was going to stop him.

As he walked up the driveway he saw in his minds eye what he wanted changed. He could hear his lone companion on this trip. Soon many people would be here but for now it was for him and him alone. He turned and faced the tall slim girl.

"Nanette you have indeed found what I was looking for."

"Thank you master." Purred the girl. She always liked to please him. He had elevated her quickly for his own reason but she never minded. Being close to someone of such power was always going to be good for her. At school she had always used every method that she could to get ahead and within Voldemort's ranks she was encouraged to do so once more.

Many a time she had thought she was to be his and his alone. She had prepared herself for he was not the best of looking people but she would overcome that. Every opportunity she had tried to entice him but he always seemed to ignore her. She knew it wasn't because of her beauty, she had many offers but she never accepted thinking that he wanted her for himself.

The thought of her initiation flowed into her mind, she had calmly made the choice that his side was the best side to be on. She had to use the boy to get the initial interview but it came apparent that there was going to be no second chance, it was going to be either join or die. The young man that had brought her only stood by and laughed when she found out the truth. Having no choice she agreed to become one of them. At that point the whole gathering started to smile at her, she had seen smiles like that before, they were predatory and she felt herself start to panic.

As the first of them reached forwards telling her that she had to show her loyalty to the whole group the voice from the darkness had called out. It had been him, Voldemort, he had told them to stop she was not to be used like that she was too valuable to waste. The others had immediately backed off and she felt a sense of relief when he walked forward. From then onwards she had thought she was going to be his.

Nanette looked at the back of Voldemort, he had stopped his approach and was turning towards her she hurried closer awaiting his instructions.

"You have indeed done well, this will be perfect. Have you started the fittings yet."

"Yes my Master but as you know they will take time to complete."

"That is fine; we will soon have all the time we need."

Voldemort forgot about the girl as he turned and walked up to the front doors. Gently pushing them open he looked onto a large reception area. He could clearly see rooms on both of the sides and the main stairway, easily four people wide, in front of him. He slowly entered the Mansion and sniffed the air it smelt new and fresh.

He walked into the largest room he saw and had to nod to himself that Nanette had indeed started the fittings. The large hall was already bare of any decorations except for the stage at the end. It was covered in a deep red carpet on top of which was the large throne.

Yes this was going to be his home, where he would hold court and where he would personally teach the new young minds about magic. Hogwarts was founded by the four but this place was founded by Voldemort.

Lowering himself into his throne he could easily see the faces of the children that would soon call him Master and would listen to his every word. They would learn or they would die.

Nanette quietly entered the main Hall and saw him still sitting on his throne. This was the first room that she had fitted and she was pleased he seemed to like it. Most of the other requirements were indeed going to take time and most she was going to have to wait until the renovations were done, but she could do some of the work.

She continued to stand in the door way to await Voldemort's next instruction. It was a long time before he eventually raised himself up and walked back towards her.

"The other properties how go they?"

"Fine my Lord, the Hogsmead one should be ready within days. The other two are taking longer as I've used all my time with this one.

"That is fine, don't concern yourself yet with the timings just continue as you are."

"Of course, what do you want me to do here next?"

"Simple, a staff needs to be found to manage this place."

"I'll find some house elves to do the very job."

"NO!" commanded Voldemort instantly "I'll not have animals attending to me, I want real people. Get me real people, I don't mind who just get me humans."

Nanette was slightly surprised at the refusal of House Elves they had always been loyal in her eyes and loyalty was something Voldemort demanded.

"Once you have found them I will bind them to the house, like the old ways."

Nanette could not stop her body from shuddering slightly at the thought. Binding a living person was one of the most extreme forms of magic she had heard of. Binding a person to the house would require tremendous power but if successful would give Voldemort what he wanted, a house full of slaves. The bound person would do anything for the owner of the house, if they ever left the house they would die instantly. House Elves were bound to houses but that was be nothing compared to these poor people.

"You seem frightened?" questioned Voldemort.

"Um...no my lord I'm just thinking of where I can get the people you want." Nanette answered covering herself.

Voldemort continued to look at the girl and then suddenly walked off. He had a lot to do with this place and most of it he wanted to do on his own. Many of his secrets would be contained here so he had to make sure that it was safe. First he would start with the wards and protection and then he would set about the creation of his private domain.

**

Dumbledore only waited a scant moment before he looked up into the face of Minerva. She had recently returned but he could not make himself summon her to his office, yet she had turned up anyway. The reports and letters in front spoke of the ever worsening situation and at his lack of action. He had made himself read every single report from top to bottom most covered the same information but he thought he had managed to find some small nuggets buried within all the reports.

Throughout his long slog through the paperwork Fawkes had just looked at him. No note of happiness of flights of fancy no nothing Fawkes had just sat and stared.

"How are you Minerva?" He enquired.

"Tired, but not by the look of it not as tired as you."

Dumbledore waved that comment away. She was right it was now very difficult to keep his eyes open but if he slept he would not dream. Dreams were no sanctuary for him anymore his mind would no longer let him rest.

"How was it?"

"Virtually the worst I've ever seen. They were let lose, just let lose." Exasperated Minerva as she sank to a chair.

"The Order?"

"We responded. We thought that you would want it."

"You were right too."

"We got there just after the first contingent of Aurors, we did what we could but as you know most of the Order can't fight."

"Were there any...." He could bring himself to ask. He should have known but did not.

"Not amongst the Order thankfully."

Dumbledore closed his eyes in relief and tried to calm his mind.

"Have your heard about Amelia." Asked Minerva.

"Yes...such a shock and a loss. We will be much lesser without her."

"Susan?"

"Ah...Susan. She I fear will become a very difficult question. She has been found."

"Oh...thank the goodness. I was so worried, we could do nothing Dumbledore. Arthur said that he would help but he was the only one available...so he succeeded then."

"Not on his own, he had help."

"Who?"

"Harry Potter."

"Harry?"

"Yes Harry, Ron, Ginny and Gabrielle helped Tonks and Arthur. They found her; from what information they were willing to give me Harry was able to track Susan."

"What do you mean information they were willing to give?"

"They were not very interested in talking to me; they were only concerned with Harry."

"Why was that, was he injured?"

"No that's just it, he wasn't. It may seem that what I told you and Remus about may have already happened."

"I can't believe that Harry would actively gather power like that."

"I don't necessarily believe that he is; I believe that he simply cannot control all of his magical abilities, this happening was my first concern from the beginning."

***

Harry stood at the entrance to Private Drive. The trip from St. Mungo's had been mercifully short but for the whole time he had been nervous. As soon as he had left the ward they were assaulted by the press and staff. They had clamoured over asking him questions abut his condition, what was he doing, was he the chosen one. It wasn't just that, as he walked towards the exit with Remus he noticed the looks that he was given. Virtually every nurse seemed to be present and some of the looks they were giving him had made him feel really uncomfortable it was as though they were offering themselves.

Remus had tried to keep everyone at bay but they were glad when they could at last activate the Portkey left by Dumbledore. As they walked up Privet Drive Harry's mind was still thinking over everything that he had been told. Ever since he had left the hospital he had felt a slight vulnerability and was looking forward to getting somewhere safe.

Remus stopped Harry just before he walked up the path.

"Harry I didn't want to say anything but I must. Tonks mentioned something about the Dursley's are they true?"

"Probably, but why?"

Remus ground his teeth. The fury within him was building, Harry was the kindest person he had ever known yet those Muggle's were treating him like some slave or embarrassment. Tonks had not been able to say much but she had the impression the Vernon was threatening Harry. If that was even remotely the case he would not be responsible for his actions if Sirius could survive Azkaban than so could he! How dare such a man threaten Harry? It was now his legal right to protect him and he would with his life.

"Right then, I'll have a word...."

"No Remus." Called out Harry. "It's my problem, I can deal with it."

"But Harry."

"No, as you said I'm all but an adult. Let me deal with it, it's my problem no one else's."

"Are you sure."

"Yeh I'm sure."

"Ok then send me Hedwig if you need help and I'll drop by once and a while."

Harry smiled once and walked the rest of the way on his own.

He let himself into the house as quietly as he could. The house silent but that was not unusual for the time of day. Walking through the house he saw his Aunt knitting by the TV.

"So you're back?" she said.

"Yes I am."

"He wasn't expecting you back. He's going to be very angry."

"That's alright I need a word with him anyway. I'll be staying for a while, you may ask why? Let just say it something that I owe you. For today I'll do the cleaning that I normally do then I'll go back to by shed. I need to study and think. I would appreciate it if you could drop some sandwiches by a little later but if not don't worry. I will speak to Uncle Vernon tonight, after tea. Oh and finally I am expecting ....a visitor or two tomorrow, one or both of the girls that were here on Thursday. We need to study together, I've asked that they come in the afternoons and they will be gone when Vernon comes home, I would appreciate it if you could make sure that Dudley leaves them alone."

Petunia sat there almost opened mouthed at what Harry was saying. He was not really demanding it, it was as if he was gently asking her but there was force behind it. He had never asked for anything in the past but now he was being different. She was shocked by the change and so just nodded her acceptance to Harry's statement.

Harry smiled at his Aunt and left her alone in the living room so that he could start his daily chores.

**

Hermione wanted to throw down the book in frustration. For the past week she had been reading all of her school books but was really awaiting a letter. She had thought the parting at the station with Harry, Ron and the rest was like turning a page in one of her books. She rightly and wrongly had suspected that those simple words from Ron had meant that their relationship had changed but now one week later with no contact at all, she realised she was probably mistaken.

For the whole of the week she had been quietly preparing her parents for the news that she would be going to the Burrows again. Last year she had spent only a few weeks with them over the summer and she had hopped when she left the station that she would be spending less time this year.

She really did love her parents but a lot of things were happening in the magical world and she wanted to be there. But as every day moved on and still no letter, she grew more and more frustrated with the wizarding world and her removal from it. Turning back to the book she started to read again yet still failed to take any of it in.

Getting to her feet she looked out of her window in the vain hope of seeing something but nothing was there. Looking at the garden she saw her cat stalk through the bushes. Crockshanks always seemed happy wherever he was, it was one of the few things that Hermione resented. Shaking her head violently she turned and left her room grabbing her coat on the way.

Hermione had never enjoyed going into town, she would see too many people of her own age but today she didn't care, she just wanted to do something muggle. As she got of the bus she saw the grim reality to her folly. It was busy but being a weekday not overly so. She started to walk the familiar path towards the library but stopped herself after a few paces. Books had been no salvation recently she just wanted...wanted Ron. The admission freighted her a little as she shook it off. He was a nice boy one of the best friends that she would ever know but how could she look at him in that way.

As she walked past shop after shop her she saw the little groups of girls talking and giggling. That was what she was really missing she said to herself as she stopped and looked at a group through the window. At school or even the Weasley there were other people who she could be with, her at home there were her parents and as good as they were she just felt different.

Turning abruptly away she walked into a nearby coffee shop. Sitting by the window she started to watch the people as they passed by. For sometime she sat their drinking and looking but her mind would never be still. Every time she saw a new person she examined them critically she was always trying to find the fault, the problem to solve. Finishing the last of her coffee she stood to leave and then saw him, she had been watching people and so it was second nature.

Her mind catalogue everything and found no fault. That was what pricked her mind. He was perfect, too perfect. She left the shop and found herself following the man. Her feet seemed to move almost of there own following him but her mind still looked at him like a problem. Height, clothes, hair everything was perfect nothing was out of place. The further she walked the more she became concerned, the man seemed to be walking with purpose yet the route he was taking seemed random.

She turned the next corner still not knowing anything more and stopped suddenly. The street in front of her was empty, her stomach seemed to drop as she suddenly thought about herself. She was alone following a stranger in a time when there was a war starting in the world that she knew. Slowly she opened her bag and fingered her wand, something here was definitely magical.

The first two years back from Hogwarts she had searched the area for any other magical person and found none. She had even looked in the library at Hogwarts for any references to magical people living in the area and found none. Yet as she stood there in the middle of the pavement it was the only explanation that her mind could come up with.

"Hello Miss, you alright?" asked a voice behind her.

She spun instantly and was surprised by the face that looked down at her it seemed so familiar yet should could not place the name.

"Um...no." she stammered still looking directly at his face. He was handsome yet his face shined with simple homely pleasure. As he leaned closer she could smell his aftershave, or was that something different her nose was trying to analyses the smell. It smelt strangely familiar, paper, wood polish, damp leather her nose told her yet there was more to it than that.

"Alright then Miss?"

"Granger" She automatically replied.

"You related to the Granger Dentists?" the man asked.

Something about the question seemed out of place, her parents ran a small dental practice. It was popular but not well known outside of the clients and by the look of the man's teeth as he smiled at her he did not need to see a dentist some many times that he would get to know them.

"Um...No sorry."

The man continued to look at her and then flashed her a smile.

"Ok then, bye." He responded and walked past her.

Hermione still had her hand in her bag as the man passed. He proceeded down the street seemingly content but Hermione saw his head moving form side to side as if looking for something or someone.

Feeling a shiver run down her back she quickly closed her bag and almost ran from the road back towards the bus station.

**

Harry caught the glint of movement in the corner of his eye and saw with grim satisfaction that Vernon was home. Harry had spent the day exactly as he had told his Aunt he would. He had spent the rest of the day cleaning and washing but at almost exactly 2pm he had left the house and returned back to the shed.

He then spent his time going through his notes and books. He was never a good reader, he had always read to pass the time but now he was searching for something. Actually he told himself he was searching for anything that would give him ahead start. He wanted to know more about what was contained within him. The ribbons of connections that he saw last night had intrigued him he wanted, no need to know more.

He flew through virtually every book that he owned but found nothing, there was absolutely zero information on what he had experienced. He smiled to himself at the thought he was acting very mach like Hermione. She would have spent hours looking for the answer in books. But for him he had little else to do, talking with Remus and Dumbledore he made a choice and the choice did not allow him to wander off to find the answers, well not yet anyway.

Harry turned to watch the scene in the kitchen as he saw Vernon pace up and down waving his arms. As soon as Harry saw him start to point towards the shed quiet violently her knew that he had to go in their. Closing his book he stood up and breathed deeply, some how he felt a little calmer as he crossed the lawn and pulled open the door.

"...that...that FREAK is back! I said last night that's it and you...you just let him in..."

Vernon was shouting at Petunia. Harry had never seen him raise his voice to Aunt Petunia before and knew that this was going to be difficult.

"Hello Uncle." He called out as he closed the Door.

"Out...OUT!" Vernon shouted as he span and faced Harry.

"If you insist Uncle but first can I at least talk to you."

"Talk...talk...if I wanted to talk to your kind I'll go to THE MENTAL HOSPITAL!" He bellowed.

"Yes that may be, but all I want if a few minuets and then I'll go."

"No you won't I told you no funny business but no your friends come round and show us up! Do you realised I had to answer questions from the neighbours this morning?!?"

"No Uncle I didn't realise and I'm sorry but please can I just have a few moments of your time?" Asked Harry still struggling to keep his voice level.

"Why don't you Vernon and then he'll go, won't you." Said Petunia

"If that is what you want of course, all I want is to say my piece." Harry's voice remained calm and casual, trying to be as diplomatic as possible for his raging uncle.

Vernon finally looked at Harry and saw that he was just standing there and was quiet politely asking for a few minuets.

"Very well then boy but then you go."

Harry walked over to the table and sat carefully on one of the chairs. He waited until his Uncle came over and sat opposite him. Harry quickly looked into his Uncles face, it was red and the veins were standing proud but the eyes were looking with a cold hatred.

"Uncle you want me to go, and if you still want me to go after we've talked I will, no arguments no questions no visits from my friends I will just go..."

"...good then just..." broke in Vernon but Harry held up his hand slightly and was surprised to see Vernon stop.

"When I arrived back from school you told me that a madman was out there going to kill me and your right. There is indeed a madman out there, his name is not important to you but what he is is important. You may have heard on the news about the terrible accident in the west country?"

"What...um...yes a chemical lorry lost its load in a village, it's had be evacuated what's that got to do with any of this."

"This accident for you is the beginning for me. The beginning of what? A war, the madman that is after me caused the accident."

"What he drove the lorry? They say..." broke in Vernon listening to the calm boy in front of him.

"No that's the story we've put out. This madman attacked the village he sent..." Harry groped for a word that he could use "...some creatures to attack the village, and they did. Why you may ask, simple he wanted a distraction. He sent his creatures his followers to attack a village of several thousand so he could attack a lone house. This house had ... someone he didn't like. In fact someone he wanted to kill which he proceeded to do."

"So your telling me this madman attacked a village to he could kill someone else?"

"Yes and that someone wasn't me. Me he wants very, VERY badly."

Vernon glance out of the window, everything that Harry was telling him told him that he should get rid of the boy even faster.

"If that's so then you're gone, gone now. I want you out this second."

"Just let me finish. You know why I come back every year?"

"Some form of protection." Replied Vernon looking at Petunia who was standing by the doorway.

"Yes that's some of it. While I can call this house home I'm protected."

"But I've had enough I want you gone!"

"Wait haven't you wondered about this protection. This madman can't attack me here because of it."

"So?" Asked Vernon now looking intently at Harry.

"This protection also protects you."

"Me?"

"Yes you and the rest of the family. While I'm here the protection is renewed and it lasts a year it protects me and anybody else living here for that year. If I leave the protection leaves."

"So? I don't care I want you gone."

"But if I go, you, Aunt Petunia and Dudley will have no protection."

"We don't..." but Harry held up his hand again.

"This madman want's me, want's me very badly. Do you think that someone who attacks and kills a village as a diversion will be frightened away by you or the police?"

Vernon opened and closed his mouth like a fish.

"If I go and break the protection you will be vulnerable and nothing, nothing you know will stop him. He would come here and kill you to find me."

"But I ..." started Vernon.

"He wouldn't care as soon as he could he would attack this house and kill everybody."

"How can you be so sure." Asked Vernon quietly

"I'm not but are you going to risk your life on it."

Vernon looked at Harry to try and understand but failed.

"Uncle all I'm asking is for a little time. At any time if you say go I'll go I just need some time to think and whilst I'm here it's safe. I shouldn't have to stay long that's all I'm asking." Harry waited as Vernon took it all in.

He had tried to speak in a way that Vernon would understand and was glad that he had managed to get it all out. If Vernon continued on with his threat he would leave but he would not feel bad about it. He had tried to act reasonability to give his family a chance if they failed to take it what more could he do.

"What do you want of me?" Asked Vernon quietly

"Nothing, nothing more that what you already give me. "

"You want your room back then."

"Actually no. I'm happy for the moment in the shed, its quiet peaceful and I can study."

"How long will it be?" Asked Vernon

Harry knew that he had won, threats, shouting and everything else had failed in the past but calm reasoning had won through. He wanted to jump out of his chair and whoop for joy but refrained.

"A week, two at the most." Replied Harry slowly getting to his feet and left a very silent Vernon at the table.
**

Hermione walked up her close still thinking about the two men that she had seen today. She was sure that they were magical it was the only answer but there should be no other magical people in the area. A sudden sense of fear made her stop once more and look around. She saw exactly what she expected to see, no-one yet the day still played on her mind.

Reaching her house she saw that her parents had retuned by the car in the drive way. Shaking her head slightly she took a step forward and placed a hand on the gate and pushed it open. Still feeling a little vulnerable she walked up to the house and opened the door.

The sounds coming from the main room told Hermione that her parents were having trouble of their own.

"Oh come on down you stupid bird!" called out Helen Ganger

Hermione put her hand to her mouth to hide the smile as she saw her parents jumping up and down trying to get the small owl down from the light. Suddenly the owl saw Hermione and so took flight. The graceful way the bird left the light caused Hermione a little concern, every time she had seen Pig the bird had been an excited buddle of feathers but this one look almost majestic in flight.

As the bird flew closer she instinctively held her arm out. Pig landed with the gentlest of pressure and looked at Hermione.

"Pig?"

The bird hooted once and presented its leg. Hermione slowly untied the letter until she saw the scrawled handwriting. She had corrected too many of his essays not to know it, she immediately tore the letter off. The bird took off once his duty was done and landed back on the light.

Hermione looked at her parents and then at the bird.

"Leave him for the moment Mum, Dad. I think he's happy there."

"But...but."

"Mum honestly it's alright. When he gets board he'll come down."

Helen looked to argue but her husband, John, held out a hand.

"You sure dear?"

"Yes dad he's fine."

"Alright then. Who's the letter from?" he asked

Hermione blushed slightly before replying.

"Oh ...a friend at school."

John and Helen shared a quick glance.

"The one from the station?" asked Helen.

"Um...yes." Replied Hermione now starting too tremble slightly.

Helen saw her daughter's reaction. She instantly knew what Hermione was hoping for in the letter and she just hopped that it was.

"Why don't you go upstairs and read it. Dinner will be along in a little while." Said Helen turning and walking into the kitchen.

Hermione did not exactly run to her room but once she reached its safety she took of her coat and jumped on her bed. She had wanted this letter for the past week but now she was frightened to open it. To her this letter would mean everything or destroy everything that the woman in Hermione wanted at that moment.

With shaking hands she slowly opened the letter and started to read. Ron had never been a prodigious writer. He had always used large letters and wide spacing in his essays to make the length requirements but what she saw in front of her was completely different. It wasn't just full it was overflowing with words. It was though Ron had wanted to write down everything.

She started to slowly read and found herself caught up in Ron's letter, she started to imagine being right there as he described the simple jobs he was doing, de-gnoming the gardening, practicing Quidditch it was all there. As she read more she started to see the feelings in the words that he had written she knew Ron too well.

He started to talk about Ginny and their new house guest. Ron did talk about this new house guest and she was secretly concerned was it someone else, another girl perhaps? As she got closer to the bottom she started to feel the sorrow in the rest of the words. She continued to read the description of the attack and found that her eyes had started to water.

She read the last paragraph and felt the sorrow in the words as he described the attack on Amelia Bones and the loss of Susan. She had always liked the girl she seemed sensible as well as knowledgeable but to read of her flight and the attack on the house made Hermione realise how close she was to the war.

She closed her eyes and gave a brief thought about Susan in the hope that by now she was safe. Opening her eyes she read the last.

... I'm off to get Harry now with Ginny and Gabrielle (you know Fleur's sister). Gabrielle thinks he might be able to find Susan, hope she's right. Anyway I might be able to bring him back here afterwards.

Hope you'll visit soon.

Love

Ron.


Her heart almost leapt out of her chest as she read the words Love, Ron. He had truly written those words to her. Her mind was so giddy with the excitement that she almost missed the name in the last paragraph. Gabrielle, Gabrielle Delacour was staying with the Weasley's, why?

Her mind wanted to think this information through but her heart would not let her. Her heart was happy she had received the letter she had wanted. Folding the letter once she felt as light as a feather as she stood up. Tonight was going to be the last meal she had at home this summer, tonight she would tell her parents that she was going to stay at the Burrows again.