77I am restricted by birth and education to English or rather what small portion of it I try to convey my ideas in. If you are a grammar purist go away. I'm old and I don't want nor need to read about your corrections. I can not write idiomatic French, Italian, German, or any other language so I will not create the problem of you trying to decipher just what I meant to say in a different language using only translation programs. Just assume that you are reading English translations of whatever language is being spoken. I am aware these events portrayed did not happen but hey it's fan fiction so it's AU after all I don't want to in court. As always the main characters belong to JKR, thanks to her for letting us play with them by the way. I am not making money off this but I am keeping my mind active.
Thanks to Google Earth and various other web sites for allowing me to view the area's described.
Most of this first appeared on another site were I was posting chapter by chapter and wrote myself into a corner. It sat on my hard drive where after too many rewrites to count I've finally given up and called this version acceptable.
It all started after Harry arrived back at Privet Drive upon completion of his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to spend his last summer with the Dursleys. The year at Hogwarts had been spotty at best and ended in disaster. While his teachers had been their usual selves his personalized training by Dumbledore had been confusing it mostly consisted of Dumbledore rambling on for most of their time about Tom Riddle then when Dumbledore finally decided to involve him in something interesting the item they'd got for had been replaced by a fake. Harry and Dumbledore arrived back at Hogwarts totally exhausted to find the school had been invaded by Death Eaters led by his Potions Professor who proceeded to kill Dumbledore, blasting him of the high astronomy tower before his eyes.
Heading back to Privet Drive after Dumbledore's funeral his life went south. He'd broken up with Ginny on the train ride home and to his puzzlement wasn't missing her as much as he was Hermione Granger. who along with his other close friend Ron Weasley had decided to spend the time until Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour's wedding with their parents while he muddled through his time at Privet Drive waiting for freedom. A few days after his arrival his first indication of something outside of the numbingly boring sameness occurring was when his Uncle answered the door saying "There is no Harry Potter living here."
"Vernon Dursley I know Harry Potter is here so you have five seconds to step aside or I will be moving you," A strong deep male voice replied.
"Now see here this is my home and I…" His uncle was cut off as a second set of footsteps was heard in the hall. "Harry Potter would you finish coming downstairs," The same voice called out.
Harry hurried down more to see how the man had shut up his uncle than curiosity about how he was known to be living here. It was only when he was on the stairs and looking at the tall barrel chested individual that he realized he might be in danger.
Seeing Harry's sudden stop and wary glances the stranger spoke up, "My good friend Griphook suggested I might need to deal with the people you live with in order to insure we have the meeting required," he said giving Vernon Dursley a hard look that combined with his apparent size convinced Vernon physically removing this individual was out of the question.
Nodding Harry said, "I guess my room is it then."
"Not at all you will meet in the living room and hold your discussions there like a normal human being," Vernon insisted gathering what courage remained.
The stranger looked at Harry who led the way into the living room and sat down with nervous glances at his uncle and aunt. A few quick hand movements by his guest and his relatives found their way bared and their loudly voiced complaints unheard. "Brilliant," Harry said.
"This discussion does not concern them. Your godfather put this in place in case he died before he was able to do this himself. I apologize for taking so long but he directed the transfer did not occur during the school months and as everything was not settled until early September this is the soonest it could occur. I have several items for you from him. One of which you will need to take custody of at the end of this meeting the others I am to give you now."
Harry stared as from deep with in the folds of his jacket the stranger drew forth a wallet and some parchment. "The wallet contains your muggle identification, national health service card, and is charmed to always contain £400 should you need more simply withdraw what is in there, close the wallet before reopening it to withdraw another £400."
"How much can I withdraw in total?"
"You could conceivably empty your vault but you would get extremely tired of opening the wallet before you made a noticeable dent in your funds," The stranger replied watching Harry look through the wallet.
"Hey, I've got an operator's license in here!"
"Yes that is one of your godfather's surprises. I still remember him chuckling when he passed me that for inclusion and before you ask it is all quite legal. Something about a special exemption he managed to find."
"Okay," Harry said placing the wallet in his back pocket.
The stranger watched this all with a smile then waved his fingers and suddenly they heard his uncle's voice, "What's in that wallet he gave you? If you got money you know you need to pay us for taking care of you all these years. That's going to be a pretty penny you owe us."
"Excuse me Mr. Dursley your nephew and I still have business to finish. I'm sure once we're done you can address any issues you have with him after I've left. Now if you don't mind I need to inventory his school trunk."
"Right this way sir," Harry said leading him to the cupboard under the stairs where Uncle Vernon had locked his school trunk away.
After examining the lock the stranger stared at Vernon until he fished out a key and unlocked the door. "Are all your belongings here?"
"All but a few text books."
"Go get them and your owl's cage send the owl to a friend and then bring everything you own down here. Once it's here distract your uncle for a few seconds."
Harry was puzzled but did as requested returning a few minutes later with just a handful of items. The stranger raised his eyebrow questioning Harry who nodded then walked up to his uncle and asked his permission to go outside to talk with the stranger.
Vernon reluctantly agreed remembering at the last minute that the stranger might be able to get him in trouble.
"I'm all done here," The stranger said backing out of the cupboard and watching as Vernon re-locked it after checking that Harry's trunk was still in there. Vernon watched them exit and walk over to a motorcycle parked at the curb.
"It's Sirius's bike!" Harry exclaimed his eyes tearing up at the sight of it.
"Actually the correct statement is it was Sirius's bike it's yours now. The saddlebag on the left side contains a set of leathers for you and I'll just put your things in the right saddlebag," He said pulling a greatly reduced school trunk out of his pocket before slipping in into the saddlebag.
"What's in the cupboard?" Harry asked suddenly understanding the request to distract his uncle.
"A bit of magic nothing more. Now you are at a decision point Harry. You can return to your uncle's home and continue to live as you were before or you can hop on this motorcycle and disappear."
"But I've never ridden a bike let alone this motorcycle," Harry protested while looking longingly at the bike.
"Yes you can. See this switch here," He said pointing to a toggle beside the tank. "Right now it's in a position that causes this to react just like a broom but with its wheels on the ground. There's a manual your godfather wrote explaining every control on this bike that is in with your leathers.
"What about my guards?"
"Dung is on duty and I insured he found a bottle of fire whiskey just before he arrived. Now for some reason he's now asleep and you won't be missed until at least the end of his shift. More likely you won't be missed until Moody arrives for his shift and starts looking for you."
Harry looked back and forth between the house and the motorcycle knowing this was a big decision. He had the task Dumbledore left him looming before him. Knowing he'd agreed to wait until after Bill and Fleur's wedding to begin swung his decision. Realizing he might as well enjoy this last bit of freedom he'd see for a while he straddled the motorcycle asking, "You have a way to get wherever you're headed?"
"Of course Mr. Potter."
"See you later and tell your friend Griphook I much appreciate this," Harry said turning the key and jumping down on the starter peddle. The bike roared to life and with concentration and a little body English Harry was off down Privet drive and away from his relatives.
Griphook stood watching him navigate the bike as if he was born on it, which unknown to either of them he almost was. Lily Potter had tired of being nine months pregnant and at her insistence Sirius had taken her for quite an aerobatic ride that had jump-started her labor. He didn't realize what was going on until her water broke soaking the seat causing him to land quickly. With James' help they managed to get her in the house and in her bed before the Madam Pomfrey arrived and delivered the newest Potter.
Later that day while Hermione was wondering why Harry's owl Hedwig arrived without a letter from him. Harry had to pull over as memories of Siris and his life to this point overwhelmed him. Half an hour later with now dry eyes and much more determined to succeed in enjoying this summer and his future tasks Harry decided it was time to start looking for a place to spend the night. Before he could ride away he found himself in a situation that young riders of classic bikes are told to avoid at all costs. A gang of rough looking bikers had gathered around him then the one in charge said, "Little boy I think that bike would make a nice gift."
Harry just looked at the speaker.
"I don't think he understood you Bart," one of the larger bikers said smiling in a decidedly unfriendly way.
"Guess I've got to repeat myself. Little boy if you want to live you should sign the bike your daddy bought you over to someone who can ride it. That is if you want to be able to walk afterwards."
"That would be you?" Harry asked his voice remarkable calm as the anger inside of him he'd just tamped down rose raging at the thought this scum wanted to take his godfather's bike from him.
"Why yes it would. Let's just step over here and get it over with," The leader said with a grin on his face thinking, 'Talk about taking candy from a baby.'
Harry got off his bike quickly approaching the leader ripping him off his bike and throwing him to the pavement of the warehouse parking lot as he screamed, "Listen asshole you just aren't big enough or bad enough to scare me. So get back on your bike and lead your sheep out of here."
"Boys he's mine," The leader said getting up and advancing on Harry.
At the same instant Hermione was in her room looking out at a star know as Sirius praying Harry was all right, Harry ducked the first swing of the leader. He was big and clumsy just like his cousin Dudley Dursley and Harry had plenty of practice dodging his cousin. This individual however Harry could punch back and with every miss he drilled three or four hard, anger fueled, punches to the leader's gut and ribs. When he felt the leader tire Harry crossed him up throwing one at his temple for all he was worth. The leader went down in a heap. As Harry stepped back looking at the rest of the gang around him the leader shook his head then looking over at his gang said, "Get him boys."
Harry looked at the group as knives and chains appeared in various hands and he suddenly wished that he could do magic but it'd get his wand snapped for sure. Unsure why he was even doing it He raised his right hand and yelled, "Gryffindor!"
The gang was in shock as the boy suddenly had a sword in his out stretched hand. One of the older gang members swung his chain at the sword intending to wrap the chain around it and yank it out of the kid's hands. But when the chain hit the sword the chain was cleaved in two and suddenly the kid's words came to mind and he wondered just who was big enough and bad enough to scare him.
As he watched his gang circle the boy unenthusiastically their leader got off the pavement and grabbed one of their knives saying, "He's just a kid don't let that sword frighten you," And swung at Harry with the knife.
His Quidditch reflexes allowed him to dodge the knife as it cut his shirt but did no other damage. The same could not be said for the leader who lost the hand holding the knife. Harry's return stroke cut him from right hip to lower left rib before dropping back into a ready position as the leader followed his intestines to the pavement. His eyes scanning the gang to see where the next attack was coming from.
"Holy shit, I ain't never seen anything like that before," One of the gang members whispered louder than he intended. While the gang members looked at each other slowly nodding in unspoken agreement before lowering their knives and chains to the pavement.
"What's up?" Harry asked confused.
The one who'd tried to wrap a chain around his sword spoke up, "You've just sliced up Bart and didn't flinch or break a sweat. We figured if we didn't want to end up like him it might be best to disarm and talk peaceful like."
"Sounds like a good idea to me," Harry said lowering the sword from the ready position but keeping it in his hand. "Who are you guys?" Harry finally asked.
"We're the Warlocks."
"Right…" Harry said unimpressed.
"No really we are a motorcycle gang and the one that isn't going to make it was our leader."
"So do you want to take him to a hospital?"
"Nah, we'll call in a rumble report to the police after we've left the area. It's Saturday they expect a few calls like this. Care to ride with us?"
"Sure I need a place to stay. That is if I can trust you."
"After that display I'm sure you'll be safe," The chain wielder said drawing nods from the other members.
"All right let's go," Harry said climbing back on his Triumph.
After riding with the gang across half the city they pulled in to a small lot that held a warehouse. The lead rider got off his bike and pulled on a chain rolling up a door, which the riders went through. Once inside Harry looked around noting the couches and TV set up over in one corner under an overhanging setup that must have been offices at one time.
While he was taking in the sights the members of the gang parked their bikes and got off heading for various areas of the warehouse. Suddenly a female shriek drew everyone's attention. "There's a bloody snake over here," Bonnie yelled once she got her emotions under control enough to talk.
"Don't worry hot stuff I'll deal with it," One of the big members said picking up a club.
"Let me try," Harry said speaking up and getting off his bike.
"Better let Thor do it he's had a bit of practice dealing with them. We keep running in to adders in here, don't know why," The individual who'd invited him along said.
"Nah, Let me try," He repeated looking at the group.
"He wants to kill himself it's no skin off my nose," Thor said backing off and letting Harry go first. The gang gathered round far enough away to be safe but close enough to watch the snake attack they were sure would happen.
Harry rounded a partial wall panel that had been placed and found a snake curled up on a water bed. When the snake looked up Harry asked, [What are you up to?] in Parseltongue.
Several blinks of its eyes later the snake replied, [I need a warm place for a nest it is time to lay my eggs.]
[This is not a safe place others here wish to use it and would harm you and your eggs.] Harry replied as the gang looked at each other confused that their new friend was hissing at the snake and the snake was hissing back.
"Oy, what's going on?" Bonnie called out not wanting to get any closer than necessary to what was going on.
"She wants a warm place to nest and this bed is evidently the warmest thing around," Harry said.
The girls in the gang looked at each other realizing that if it was true none of them was going to deny another female a place to nest though some would only admit it with great reluctance. "I know a place she can use," Ginger called out a name she received for being the only ginger in the gang.
"Where?"
She told Harry were it was and how to get there. Harry relayed the instructions and everyone gave the adder a wide berth as she slithered out of the bed leaving through a crack in the wall.
"Yea, I know block up that hole," Thor said watching the look the gals gave him. "Nice going, I didn't think I was going to be able to get that snake off the bed without wrecking it and I spent good money on it."
Harry looked around catching the wary look some were giving him and the nodding looks of acceptance coming from others. As everyone went to their areas for a second time Thor walked past Harry with a board and hammer in his hand.
"You can take Bart's place," he said nodding towards the old office area. "Looks like his old lady is bunking with Tiger over there. Have a good night's sleep, you should be safe," He finished heading over to close the hole the Adder had disappeared through.
Harry had followed his nod and now had a name to put with the member who'd tried to wrap his sword up in chain, Tiger.
Harry looked around noting no one was objecting so he walked up and checked out the room before taking the risk to put a low powered alarm ward on the door before turning in for the night.
The next day Harry was up and out riding before he returned to the warehouse for the evening something he repeated for the following days just visiting various sites he'd always heard about but had never seen.
Several days later Tiger and Thor approached Harry saying, "Hey Snake, the gang is thinking about heading down to Italy to catch our boys friendly. Want to come along?"
"How soon do you need to know?"
"We're thinking of leaving within a few days that'll make it an easy ride down."
"Sounds good."
Thor took Harry aside moments later saying, "Snake, you might want to consider taking a bird with you. I know several of our old ladies are talking about getting someone to keep you warm at night."
"What?"
"You do swing that way?" Thor asked nervousness in his voice.
"Yes I do. It's just a little complicated right now."
"What's complicated about it? Call her up and ask her if she wants to go to the match with you. No matter what she says put Shella on the phone and let her talk. That will do two things, first it will let the others know you have a squeeze and second Shella can talk most girls into anything."
A few hours later Harry found himself in a phone booth with Shella, "Hey, This is Jim Black I was wondering if you wanted to go down to Italy and catch the friendly between England and Italy?"
Hermione wasn't the smartest witch in generations for nothing. She recognized the voice the instant he spoke and when he addressed himself using an alias combined with the fact Hedwig had arrived without a letter she tailored her response to match, "Now why would you want little old Jane Harris to go with you," She replied keying in Harry to the name she'd be using.
"Jane I thought you might like it. Hold on Shella wants to talk with you," Harry replied passing the phone.
Shella hustled Harry out of the booth and spent the next five minutes girl talking with Hermione before opening the door saying, "She's staying with some friends and needs to give you directions," while passing the phone to Harry.
"James how am I going to pack what I need into one of your saddle bags like Shella said?"
"Didn't you turn 17 last summer?"
"Oh…, right it slipped my mind,"
"Just be done by the time we get there. I assume you and Shella decided on a time."
"Yes I'll be ready tomorrow morning. I have a passport do you?"
"I think there was one with my license I'll check if not we'll make a special side trip without the gang and visit the alley. Now how do I get to your house?"
That night there was a very heated discussion in the Granger household. "Let me get this straight just because some boy from her school called up and invited her. My sports hating daughter is going to climb on the back of a motorcycle tomorrow and ride to Italy to watch a football game between England and Italy that doesn't mean anything?" Alan Granger said trying not to shout.
"Now dear," Jane Granger said trying to insure her husband didn't alienate their daughter.
"I wouldn't phrase it quite like that," Hermione Granger said her whole body in a posture that every Gryffindor could have told her father meant clear out or you'll be torn to shreds by her sharp tongue.
"Well just how would you phrase it?"
"Your daughter is climbing on the back of her best friend's bike and riding with him wherever he wants to go in order to keep him alive and safe," Hermione replied.
"Best friend?" her mother asked.
Hermione's attention snapped to her mother and from her mother's eyes she knew what the question really was. "Yes best friend," She chose to reply.
"And what will happen if I decide to stay home tomorrow and toss this boy out on his ear when he comes to collect you?" Alan asked looking as if he was intending to do just that.
"Then you'd probably be starting out on the wrong foot with your future son-in-law," Hermione firmly stated finally answering her mother's question.
Alan glanced between his wife and daughter stunned at that revelation, watching the silent communication as his wife tilted her head and his daughter nodded in response.
"How far?" Jane asked far calmer that she felt.
"Just a few hugs on his part and I might have kissed him once or twice. I expect all that to change on this trip. Without anyone else around to upset my plans I hope to get inside his defenses," Hermione admitted.
"What do you want us to do tomorrow?" Jane asked her daughter.
"Give me a hug and a kiss before you leave. I'll be gone when you get home and I'll try and call every few days or so to let you know what's going on."
"What should we do if someone comes looking for you?"
"If you know them, tell them I've decided to travel for few days and take a message. If you don't call 999," Hermione said with a shrug wishing she could give her parents better protection but they were determined to stay here and continue their business.
"I do not like this. You've just arrived and now you're off gallivanting with a boy," Alan Granger said firmly.
"Don't worry Dad, He's as protective of me as you are. And he won't force me to do anything I don't want to do," Hermione said attempting to reassure her father.
"All right," Alan said watching his daughter turn and head up to her room to pack.
Very little was said for the rest of the evening. That night in her room Hermione thought through decisions made that day. True she'd spent most of the last year as Ron's girlfriend but his crass comment about her staying with those muggles was the straw that broke the camel's back it severed any strings of attachment her heart had created between the two of them. He never understood to her they weren't those muggles they were Mum and Dad. And to be honest the more time she spent away from the British magical world right now the better it would be. Of course Harry tried to smooth things over on the ride back to London but he stopped after she gave him that look. She knew he'd broken up with Ron's sister Ginny just before Dumbledore's funeral, so right now they were bot unattached and with this trip occurring strictly on this side of the magical divide they shouldn't be bothered by anyone trying to get to them. Just before dropping off for the night she resolved to just relax and enjoy the trip and if something happened between her and Harry she'd deal with it when it did.
The following morning was tense in the Granger household. Breakfast was the usual coffee and pastry's though very little was actually said. Afterwards Hermione's parents took a while to say good bye her mum with plenty of hugs and kisses while her stoic father restricted himself to insuring his daughter had credit cards before ending with a hug and kiss on the top of his daughters head as he held her. Jane watched her husband leave before leaning over and whispering to her daughter, "I thought about what you said last night. Just how much are you not willing to do with this boy?"
"Anything he wants, I am willing to do or will be before he even gets far enough along to think about it," Hermione said looking her mother in the eye.
Jane looked at her daughter realizing she'd reached the point as a parent where all she could do was hang on and pray they'd raised her right. "Stay safe," Jane said giving her daughter one final hug before leaving.
Once her parents were gone Hermione decided it was time to get dressed to spend the day on the back of a motorcycle. She picked up a pair of comfortable slacks she'd picked up for plane flights and a nice blouse.
About an hour after her parents left Hermione heard the sound of motorcycles coming up her street. Running to look out the window she saw Harry riding up to her house and getting off surrounded by a gang on bikes.
As he dismounted Harry took his first look at where his friend lived while Harry wasn't surprised at Hermione's home other than it was a single. Most of the houses he'd seen on the street were duplexes. But other than that it was a typical British house brick construction with a red tile roof, just about no front lawn though he suspected a good bit of semi-private back yard. While he was waiting for Hermione to answer the door He could feel most of the neighbors eyes on him. He suspected it was due to this being one of the few times if ever motorcycles out numbered cars on this stretch of the street.
Hermione was very glad her father had left Harry was wearing a leather vest with patches on it looking every inch the type of boy that would cause her father to bust a blood vessel.
Before she knew it he was at the door and she was rushing to pick up her backpack and with a double check of the house she pulled the door shut behind her. If she didn't think divination was such a hoax the feeling passing through her would have caused shivers and second thoughts, however she knew Harry needed her help and that was enough reason for her.
Harry took her backpack and turned around allowing Hermione a good glance at the patch on the back of his vest.
"Warlocks?"
"That's the men folk, we're just with them and if you ride with Snake I guess that covers you too, I'm Shella and this lunkhead here is Thor."
"Snake you didn't say she was a babe," Tiger said looking over as Harry helped Hermione stuff her backpack into one of the saddle bags.
"Snake?" Hermione whispered.
"Tell you later."
"Let's ride!" Tiger yelled as he saw Jane settle in behind the newest member of the Warlocks.
Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry for a while then she looked around she noticed the other women leaning back against the bars on the back of the seat relaxing so she did the same hoping Harry knew what he was doing.
Noon found them waiting to board a ferry across the channel and Hermione was finally able to get Harry alone "How did you get hooked up with this group?" She asked as he released her from a hug he'd given when he'd thanked her for coming along.
"Their leader tried to take my bike," Harry replied causing Hermione to raise an eyebrow and he added, "Things got a little tense and Godric's sword made an appearance. From what I hear the former leader is in the hospital and will be there for quite a while."
"And they took you in just like that?"
"Well they didn't like the guy to begin with but he was the best fighter of the group."
"So how did Snake come about?"
"Oh that's easy, Shella found one on her bed and I dealt with it, hence Snake," Harry said smiling.
"Hey if you two aren't goanna snog send her over here so we can get to know her," Shella called out from where the women had gathered.
"I think I'll go find out the truth," Hermione said walking away from Harry her hips swaying like they never had at Hogwarts.
"Damn that's one fine piece," Thor said looking at Harry. Harry nodded then turned to look at the guys as Thor asked, "So you and her?"
"Nah, she's my best friend."
"Trust me on this Snake, she's got the hots for someone here and she doesn't know any of us," Thor said.
Harry looked at him then at Hermione before looking towards Tiger who nodded in agreement. Harry shrugged causing Tiger to say, "Snake if you don't make an attempt someone else will and you'll lose your best friend."
"But if I do I may lose her," Harry replied.
"If you don't you will lose her," Thor replied before adding, "Look, Shella knows I think the world of her, but I had to ask her to be my woman. Tiger over here has had the hots for Brenda since she showed up but Bart spoke first and he lost her for a while. Bart didn't treat her too well but he was the leader and not one to take someone messing in his business well. Now that he's out of the picture Tiger decided it was time to move before anyone else did."
Hermione was talking with the girls as they discussed topics ranging from watching out for other gangs to the best way to get a tan on the back of a bike while flying down the turned to continue the discussion only to find it had turned to her. "So you and Snake a couple?: Bonnie asked
"We're best friends."
"Yea while like that dude said in a movie men and women can't be friends without something going on between them," Brenda continued.
"Harry doesn't see me that way."
"You're a good looking female, all males see you that way he's probably just hiding it," Shella chipped in.
"We were thinking of which of our friends would be the best one to hook Harry up with for this trip when Thor took Harry aside and warned him. Next thing he did was call you. How long have you know him?"
"We met on the train to boarding school at eleven. He's been my best friend since late October that year."
"And you or one of the other girls at your school haven't checked him out yet? What is it with you boarding school types? I've watched him for a short while and I know he likes girls and is packing some good sized equipment. What is wrong with you girl? You've known him six years, even the most laid back of my girlfriends would have at least attempted to bed him by now."
Hoping to change the topic to something other than her and Harry's relationship Hermione asked, "So the guys are the warlocks how is it you didn't get called the witches?"
"The thought crossed a few of the male minds, what little ones they have. However we decided that it was too close to being called bitches so we shot that down when it was suggested," Shella replied.
"Yea Bart took exception to us refusing to be call that along with a few other rules he wanted to implement. Ginger here showed him the error of his ways," Queenie said.
"Hey I only cut him up a bit before suggesting he stick to bossing the men around and leave the women alone," Ginger stated.
"Well most men would have taken that advice when you explained your next move would have him sitting down to pee," Queenie countered.
"You carry a knife?" Hermione asked looking at Ginger.
"We all do. I'm just the best one at knife fighting. Being a biker chick means knowing how to defend yourself should it be necessary and it will be necessary sooner or later. If you're going to be hanging with Snake you might want to consider carrying one yourself," She replied
Hermione looked around thinking before she replied, "Can you help me pick one up and do a bit of training?"
"Not a problem love. When we stop I'll get out one of our spares and a holster for you," Ginger replied.
When we stop for the night we're probably going to get a few hotel rooms. To save money it's normally two beds to a room and two to a bed and you'll be hearing the next bed squeak. If that's not in your plans for Snake it'd be better for everyone if you bowed out now," Brenda said as the girls worked on Hermione.
"I trust Snake, I'll spend the nights with him," Hermione said.
"In bed wearing very little if anything?" Brenda continued.
"Not a problem," Hermione said trying to hide her unease at the thought of Harry comparing physically to the two women she was talking with.
Shella noticed her glances and decided it was time to help this girl out, "Don't worry about how you compare to us. I've been watching the girls he's noticed since he's been riding with us. It's only been a few days but Snake only has eyes for you. You know what they say."
Hermione struggled for a moment before admitting her ignorance, "No I'm not sure what you mean."
"Honey men are like rugs," Brenda said then as Hermione's face filled with confusion she continued, "Lay them right the first time and you can walk on them forever," before breaking out in laughter that all the girls joined in.
"Now Jane, what you're wearing is good for a preppy on the street but we need to get you in some better clothes for riding if you're going to be riding with us," Queenie stated adding, "Your about my build through the hips but Bonnie's up top once on the ferry we'll get an outfit together and you can change."
Hermione didn't know what to say but looked down at her clothes the obvious question of what's wrong with these on her mind.
"Girl your pants flop around and could get caught on something. Your blouse was flapping around and by the end of a days ride you'll have to trash it. Trust us we wear leather for a reason."
Emerging from the ladies room in the tight leather pants and full length leather vest. When she turned to find out why she was feeling eyes on her she turned to see Harry looking intently at her. Smiling at the feeling that brought to the surface.
Off the ferry and back on the bikes they had about a two hour ride through the French countryside before they stopped at a small roadside inn in La-Targette that Thor claimed to have just stumbled across despite having checked out their route ahead of time and possible stopping points. The gang booked half a dozen rooms before heading out and grabbing dinner at a restaurant where the owner of the inn assured them would be welcome. although she'd been taught all her life to avoid people that lived like this Hermione was slowly warming to gang she found once she got to know them they were friendly in their own way. Of course she realized it might be because she was with Harry and he'd earned their respect the hard way she admitted to herself.
Shella looked at Hermione as she got up from the table. Hermione followed Shella to the lady's room when Shella said, "It was decided you two will room with me and Thor. Why don't you two go get in bed back at the inn. Thor and I will be about half an hour behind you two to give you time to clean up a bit and get under the covers."
Hermione muttered her thanks and grabbed Harry's arm as he took their room key and headed off. Harry was quite the gentleman and waited outside the room until Hermione called for him to enter. Which he quickly did to find her under the covers and against the wall waiting for him. He quickly slipped out of his leathers and into bed beside her. Harry did his best to avoid touching Hermione when he got in but she turned over and looked at him asking, "So am I your old lady or not?"
"I don't know what you mean," Harry sputtered having a good idea what the term meant.
"Let me see before we board the ferry you're responding quite well when we hug now that we're alone in bed you're staying away like I've got cooties or something."
Harry hemmed and hawed for a moment trying to figure out the correct response before he decided to just flat tell her the truth. "Hermione if I hug you or even go further I'm afraid of what will happen with us."
"Does that mean you like me or hate me?"
"Hermione I know you and Ron were close and it looked like I was with Ginny but I've got to tell you the truth and if you want we'll go find a train station or someway for you to go back home after I'm done we will. Hermione, Ginny is not who I want to be hugging when I hug. I realized it long ago but it always appeared to be you and Ron so I've kept my distance."
"You mean you want me?"
"No, I need you like I need air. I talked myself in to accepting you and Ron but during the ride today when your arms where around me. I can't describe how great I felt even when you stopped and leaned back I knew you were there with me. Right now if I stopped talking and gave you a hug I'm scared how much more I'd want."
Hermione had her half of this debate in her mind the morning Harry had called and invited her along. She knew for her it would mean the end of her and Ron without any guarantees that Harry would replace him. Now she knew and opened her arms. "Come over here you stupid boy."
Harry did soon found out hugs with Hermione led to kissing Hermione, which was even better. When they heard other bikes pull in they stopped and just relaxed until their roommates arrived. With nothing else to distract him a tired Harry from the day's ride was soon fast asleep while it took Hermione a long time to relax and get used to the fact there was another body in her bed.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Motorcycle ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
July 19th
Remus looked up as Nymphadora Tonks entered Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. "Did everything get settled?" he asked her as she walked over and gave him a hug.
"Finally, I think Monsieur Delacour was ready to take the entire Ministry and tell them where to go."
"Come on Dora it couldn't have been to bad if everything got settled."
"Trust me," Tonks said with a sigh before continuing, "I don't think it would have happened without the goblins pushing. They obviously wanted Bill working for them soon."
"Dora do I have to pull it out bit by bit?" Remus Lupin asked his girlfriend his exasperation obvious.
"All right here is the deal they worked out. Tonight Aurors will accompany Bill Weasley from the secure "Dangerous" Dai Llewellyn Ward for Serious Bites to a place outside the wards where an international Portkey will be waiting. After the French ministry signs for his custody he will have one minute to activate their Portkey to leave England."
"What happens in France?"
"The ministry didn't ask and doesn't care. He's France's problem after that."
"What? I thought with Madam Pomfrey certifying he wouldn't transform He wouldn't have my issues," Remus asked quietly not wanting to believe what he suspected had just been said.
Dora saw the look on her boyfriend's face as she said, "It doesn't matter to the Ministry. Under the law they just passed any infected individuals that leave England can not return. They've declared him infected and despite the healers at St. Mungos agreeing with Madam Pomfrey he chose permanently exile. Molly Weasley cried enough tears to float the ministry I think. Her oldest son can never return home. I swear that bitch Umbridge was cackling like an old hen she was so happy."
"How did Bill and Arthur take it?"
"Bill looked at Fleur and smiled. Arthur took it quite hard. I think if he can find a way to make a living outside of the ministry he's going to quit," Dora replied just as the front door opened and in staggered Mundungus "Dung" Fletcher his robes smelling of bad tobacco, alcohol, and foul body odor.
"Dung what the heck are you doing here."
"Oh… Just stopping around for a spot of tea and news," Dung replied looking around.
"Let's go to the kitchen and you can tell us how Harry's doing," Remus said leading the way.
"Now why would I know that Governor?" Dung asked as he sat down and help himself to the tea placed before him.
"Dumbledore said you were one of the one's going to watch over him this summer," Dora said quickly while glancing at Remus.
"Yea but I watched for a bit but the kid hasn't been out of that house in days," Mundungus replied as if that explained everything.
Remus's emotions changed from wanting to hex the man before him into oblivion to well to involved more than hexes he thought and left it at that. Making up his mind Remus announced, "I'm going to Privet Drive to check on Harry."
"But Dumbledore said not to bother him while he's there," Dora said looking at Remus concerned.
"And this stinking bag of crap was scheduled to be keeping an eye on him too. He was probably off checking on one of his deals again rather keeping an eye on my cub," Remus rebutted as he ducked out the front door past the curtained and silenced portrait of Sirius Black's mother.
While Dung was saying, "Hey there's no need to be insulting me I do a lot of things for the Order," Though his comments were made to an empty room.
Remus's quick dash across the quiet street to the park was followed by apparation to the back yard of Abigail Figg the watcher Dumbledore had put in place years ago to keep what eye she could on Harry Potter while he was staying with the Dursleys.
Remus marched up the street to number 4 Privet Drive knocking on the door. An obese man answered it looking him over as he asked, "What do you want?"
Not wanting to be confrontational at the start Remus did his best to smile replying, "I am here to see Harry Potter."
The man's face turned a surprisingly dark red as he stated loudly, "He left," Before starting to shut the door in Remus's face. Only to have the man before him push it open with ease knocking him down in the process. "Now see here," Vernon said from the floor.
"No you fat excuse for a human you listen. Where is my pup?" Remus replied glaring down at Vernon.
Not wanting to be in a position of weakness Vernon Dursley did his best to scramble to his feet nearly tearing the banister off the stairs to the second floor in the process. Regaining his feet he looked at the man before him realizing although they were about the same height he had plenty of mass on the other man. He was confident he could take him if it came to a fight. Vernon was rolling his shoulders insuring everything was all right when the word "pup" finally registered in his brain. Convinced he still had the upper hand and it was only his being off balance that caused him to fall in the first place he asked chuckling, "Your Pup? What the hell are you a dog?"
"No werewolf. Now where is Harry?" Remus asked actually growling as the wolf in him anticipated a fight.
Vernon's face which over the course of this confrontation went from normal to deep red to light red with laugh lines now going stark white. He had few fears in the world but a vicious dog attack when he was a child left deep scars. He was only able to tolerate his sister's dogs because they were rather small and avoided him for some reason. "W…W…" Vernon stuttered in reply.
"Werewolf," Remus confirmed for him wanting to end the man's stuttering. "Now where is Harry?" Remus asked with a deeper growl in his voice only to watch the man slide down the wall to the floor his eyes fixed on Remus.
"He left," A female voice said from the kitchen doorway where she'd obviously been observing the event.
"Petunia," Remus said in greeting adding, "I would like to see Harry's room."
Petunia hesitated for a moment she'd met this thing before her several times when he'd come around with that Potter boy when he came to visit Lily. Realizing the quickest way to get rid of him was to humor his request she said, "Top of the stairs but there is nothing of his there. He and that stranger went outside to talk and then we heard a motorbike start up and he was gone. The trunk he left under the stairs disappeared when we decided to check on it," Petunia finished looking down at her husband who was clutching his chest his mouth silently mouthing "W" repeatedly.
Remus bounded up the stairs while Petunia bent down to check on her husband.
Remembering Harry's vague descriptions of his home life it wasn't hard for Remus to determine which of the rooms was Harry's. Pulling out his wand Remus put his years as a marauder to use checking the room for cloaked individuals, magical objects or hidden areas. Finding nothing of note beyond a broken quill in the trash Remus returned to the entrance pulling the small door below the stairs open. This time he found residual magic that fit Petunia's description of a disappearing trunk along with traces of something that puzzled him. Putting that aside he shut the door. As Petunia started to complain he bend down over Vernon waiving his wand over the prone figure before saying, "If I were you I'd call a healer," Then he turned and exited number 4 Privet Drive apparating back to the park across from 12 Grimmauld Place once he was out of everyone's sight.
Nymphadora Tonks watched the love of her life walk in the kitchen looking like a man on the way to the gallows. "He's gone Dora. They heard a motorbike drive off just after he'd walked out the door with a stranger. We've lost him," Remus said before sitting down and resting his head in his hands.
Nymphadora thought about what was going on. It was a known fact that Harry hated staying with the Dursleys one which Sirius was well aware of. Sirius' motorbike featured in a lot of the stories he told about his life just after Hogwarts. If Sirius wanted to give Harry freedom why not give him the bike that represented freedom to Sirius? "Have you checked with the Weasley's?" she asked.
"No, if Harry had shown up there Molly would have been on the floo the instant he arrive letting us know especially after he broke up with Ginny. Besides if she didn't call I believe I would have heard about it while I was in St Mungo's Hospital helping Bill Weasley try and deal with those idiots after he'd gotten a clean bill of health from Madam Pomfrey," Remus said shaking his head.
Tonks nodded her head in agreement asking, "What about Hermione?"
"What about Hermione?"
"She's been staying with her folks this summer do you think Harry would stop in?"
Remus tilted his head in thought before replying, "I doubt he'd stop in if he was on the run. Hermione was always one for following rules. But they were close, seeing as we don't have another option I guess it's worth a visit. Any idea how we can get in touch?"
Tonks looked at Remus saying, "Your our muggle expert. I know enough to dress right but finding someone I don't already know in the muggle world is beyond me."
"Right, first thing I need is a phone book then we can start looking," Remus replied before stopping to think about just how to proceed.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Motorcycle ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
July 20th
Pleasant thoughts were going through Harry's mind. For a change he was thinking how soft and warm the pillow was he'd pulled against him to ward off the early morning chill of Hogwarts' boys dorm rooms. When a voice called out, "Time to rise you two we should be on the road in an hour or so," dragging Harry from the arms of Morpheus. 'What the heck?' he thought for only a moment before his brain engaged and he realized the soft pillow he was hugging was actually his best friend.
"Harry I know we are both enjoying it but you need to release me so I can get off you and you can get up," Hermione's voice whispered softly from very close to his chest. When she heard him start to speak she added, "You'd better not be apologizing for holding me like that, I quite liked it and would not complain if we did it again tonight."
He watched with a smile on his face as she rolled out from under the covers dressed only in one of his t-shirts and her panties. After everyone had dressed they assembled in the large farm style kitchen for a breakfast featuring fresh croissants with plenty of jams with coffee or tea while they discussed the day's traveling agenda. "I was hoping to get close to Lyon today. Not pushing too hard and keeping to the secondary roads. I want this to be a relaxing trip," Thor said to everyone.
The French countryside was green and blooming, the weather was clear with puffy clouds, and the road winding. Hermione had taken the hints from the other women to heart and was wearing a bikini top borrowed from Ann and her own short shorts. While Harry was wearing leather pants and just the vest with his patches, no those were his 'colors' Hermione reminded herself glancing around at the group riding with her she couldn't believe how much of a change this was to what she had expected this summer to be like. Harry was happy and enjoying himself. A big change from how he'd been when they'd left school. Thinking about everything she realized he needed this. This was his rest and recreation from the constant battles at school and over the lasts few summers. He was recharging his spiritual batteries for the fight to come. When she realized this she considered what she needed to do to assist. As they finished a light road side lunch she realized she was doing exactly what she needed to do, just be there for him.
As it started to get towards dinner time passing through Vaux-sous-Aubigny on n74 they noticed a sign Hotel Le Vauxois sitting at an angle over a road side building just before it there was a second hotel sign on a one of the pillars supporting a ornate gate that was open allowing them access. They were about 30 km north of Dijon and it was a good place to stop for the night.
Hermione was happy that night's phone call to her mother was out of Harry's hearing range. When she returned and he asked her about the phone call she told him it was just something her mother requested to insure she was safe before she cuddled up to him and fell asleep.