989Chapter 1: Hey
1 August, 1998
Ron Weasley looked around the table and couldn't help but smile.
He stood alone in theWeasley's kitchen at the Burrow, the table covered with an assortment of plates heaped with food, a breakfast he thought would even put the house-elves at Hogwarts to shame. Even better, he had been the one to fix it. And best of all, he was pretty sure it was actually edible.
Now there was only the slight problem of having to control his hunger until everyone else in the house was up. Ron knew Percy was already up, preparing for work. After the Battle of Hogwarts, Percy had moved back to the Burrow to help the family through their transition. He'd only returned to the Ministry the week before, after being appointed the new Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. And despite Percy's past, the last few months had made Ron confident he would be a huge improvement over the woman he was replacing.
Bill had left a few weeks before, expressing the desire for Fleur to go and see her family whom she had not been in-touch with since their wedding the previous year, and the need for both of them to return to work and begin building a future for their own family. When he'd first been told of Bill's plans, Ron had worried. Bill, in Ron's eyes, had always been perfect regardless of the scars that marred his face. And though things around the Burrow had slowly been improving, he'd liked having Bill around as his rock to fall back on, the person he could count on to know what to do and find a way to get it done. But then he'd left and surprisingly nothing had changed, except there were two fewer people to talk to. And genuine conversation was something Ron had truly grown to appreciate as of late.
Charlie unfortunately had only stuck around England long enough for the many funerals following the Battle of Hogwarts before agreeing to help Kingsley and the Ministry by working abroad, joining a team of others in contacting foreign governments and requesting aid and help to rebuild the country in the wake of the war. He still owled every week, which was a big improvement over the letters the family received from him once every two or three months when he was working with the dragons, but it wasn't the same as having him there.
His father was also working at the Ministry. Technically, he'd returned to his old job as the Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office, but was basically working triple overtime helping Kingsley with anything and everything he needed. Ron knew it pained his father to return to work as if he was abandoning his family in their time of need, but the Weasleys were used to self-sacrifice and Kingsley needed as many trustworthy people as he could get, and the number of those still around were in short supply.
Finally unable to restrain himself any longer, Ron picked up a fork and skewered a large sausage and shoved it unceremoniously into his even larger mouth. As he chewed a small owl flew through the window and dropped a letter into a bowl of porridge. Ron fished it out. It was still too early for the usual post, and he guessed it must be something Ministry related for either his dad or Percy. And sure enough, he saw that it was from Kingsley himself. But strangely enough, the envelope was not addressed to either his father or brother. It was addressed to him.
Well to him and Harry, which meant that he probably already knew what it was about.
Ron scowled. He tore open the envelope and read the rather short letter. When he'd finished, Ron balled it up and tossed it in the trash, his suspicions confirmed. The letter stated that Kingsley would be arriving at the Burrow at eight to discuss something with the two of them, and considering the things Kingsley had talked about during his last visit to the Burrow, Ron didn't want to hear what he had to say. Noticing that it was already half passed seven, he decided to wake Harry so he could have some breakfast before the Minister arrived. He had a feeling Harry would be far more excited to talk to Kingsley than he was.
When Ron returned from Bill's and Charlie's old room a few moments later, a yawning, pajama-clad Harry Potter in-tow, he found Percy and his father, both already dressed for work, enjoying the breakfast he'd prepared for them. Apparently they didn't have any qualms about waiting around. Nevertheless, Ron grinned at how different his older brother was compared to the uptight prick he'd grown up with.
Ron plopped Harry down into his usual seat and took the one beside him as his family members offered their greetings.
"The two of you are up rather early today," commented Mr. Weasley.
"Just wanted to see you off Dad," Ron said, filling Harry plate with eggs, kippers and toast as he noticed his friend was still half-asleep. Thankfully it wasn't a lie, or else he might've felt his ears burning. After all, it had been the reason when Ron first woke at the crack of dawn.
"Ron, it's not as though this is our first day on the job. I have been working at the Ministry for the past four years and a few months off should have no affect on my performance," Percy stated. Ron hid a smirk. Some things never changed, and that included his brother's desire to make his way completely on his own, and that included having his little brother fix meals for him, which Ron had been doing for weeks now. "But thank you for breakfast," Percy added after a moment.
And some things do change, Ron thought. True his brother was still the overly ambitious perfect-Percy he'd known for years, but it was amazing to see how different he was since returning to the Burrow and his family. He had been the first one to step-up, restoring the house to order after months of abandonment. He had begun filling Bill's shoes before he'd even left. In fact, Ron guessed that Bill might have stayed much longer—might still be there—if Percy hadn't left absolutely no doubt that the rest of them were in good hands. Hell, Percy might have even left the Ministry completely if their father and Kingsley hadn't convinced him of all the work that needed to be done there and how desperately they needed people they knew to be both capable and trustworthy. Still, Percy had put it off as long as possible. And now it was Ron's turn to step up. And if Kingsley would let him alone, he planned to do just that.
After several attempts, Harry's fork finally found his mouth, and the taste of food must have woken him up at last for he began to eat ravenously.
"Everything taste's great, Ron," Mr. Weasley said. Percy offered his agreement, but Harry snorted.
"It better. He's only been practicing on us for months now," Harry teased. Ron just laughed. It was hard to believe the sincerity of Harry's ribbing considering he was shoveling eggs down his throat at a pace that Ron doubted even he himself could keep up with.
"How else did you expect me to learn how to cook? Practice is the most practical way to learn anything," Ron said, waggling his for in the air.
Harry choked, then coughed. "Sorry," he spluttered. "You just reminded me of Hermione."
Ron stiffened for a moment. "Could say the same thing about you: staying shut up in your room for hours with nothing but books for company. Next thing we know, you'll be knitting pajamas for Kreacher."
The four of them laughed. As Mr. Weasley and Percy moved to clean their plates in the sink, Harry leaned over toward Ron. "Not that I'm not grateful for breakfast and all," he said in a low voice, "but was it necessary to wake me for this?"
Ron wondered if his friend would ever stop being suspicious after everything he'd gone through the last few years. Of course, in this case, he had a reason to be. "Got a letter from Kingsley this morning. Said he's coming here to talk to us," Ron whispered back.
"Do you think it's about—"
"What else?" Ron said, cutting him off. "I just hope Dad and Percy leave before he gets here."
Unfortunately they heard a knock at the front door, and a moment later Mr. Weasley opening it and expressing greetings to someone, quickly followed by the deep voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt as he replied.
"So Percy, Arthur, I'll see you both in my office later?" asked Kinglsey as he walked into the kitchen.
"Of course. see you at 10:17 Minister," said Percy formally before heading into the other room to Floo to work.
"Don't forget to save some of this for your brother and sister," said Mr. Weasley, looking pointedly at both Ron and Harry. They both nodded. Looking satisfied, he nodded his head toward Kingsley and moved to follow after his elder son.
As soon as his dad left, Ron felt a sudden heaviness in the room. It was odd; Kingsley was the Minister of Magic, but Ron had always been quite comfortable around the man. It was only lately that Ron had started to feel uneasy in his presence.
Apparently Harry didn't know what to say either. After a few moments' silence, Kingsley took a seat at the table unbidden and, after a quick "May I?" and the smallest of nods from Ron and Harry, began fixing himself a plate.
Ron was too uncomfortable to eat, and merely watched. Soon Harry resumed his own breakfast and Ron, feeling like he had to look like he was doing something, began pushing food around his plate with his fork.
"Do you both remember my last visit?" Kingsley asked after what seemed like an eternity to Ron. Inwardly he groaned. His suspicions had been correct. He caught Harry glancing in his direction his direction before his dark-hard best friend answered in the affirmative. "Well, then I can assume you remember that when I returned Ron and Hermione their wands, I also confiscated the wands that had previously belonged to Bellatrix Lestrange, Draco Malfoy, and Peter Pettigrew."
Both boys nodded, but Ron suddenly felt lost. What was this about wands? What did it have to do with Auror training? he wondered.
Kingsley proceeded. "As you know, the Ministry currently has a lot on its plate at the moment. Our number one priority of course is tracking down any Death Eaters still at large as well as sentencing those we've all ready taken into custody. But our second priority is clearing the names of the innocent." Ron looked over at Harry and saw him nodding at Kingsley's words. Ron knew how lucky they were to have a Minister like Kingsley after the likes of Fudge and Scrimgeour, and that Harry would be relieved that he was helping people like Stan Shunpike, but Ron still did not understand why Kingsley had to come here and tell them these things in person. Surely they'd read about it in the Daily Prophet or Percy or Dad would tell them about it.
"In the course of our investigations, we examined the three wands you gave me, and performed Priori Incantatem on them." At this Harry stiffened, apparently realizing where Kingsley was going with everything, though Ron was still completely lost.
"Yeah. So?" Ron said impatiently, feeling left out.
"So," said Kingsley, "it was discovered that during your months on the run, you both had been Apparating without licenses."
"So what?" said Ron. "What's the big deal? Me and Harry broke the law, but we've got licenses now. And the penalty's only a small fine. Told us so when we were taking lessons at Hogwarts."
"The 'big deal' is that the Ministry is also aware that Harry has performed two of the Unforgiveable Curses," said Kingsley, his tone very stern.
Ron looked at Harry, searching for surprise. But all he saw was the familiar guilt and grim determination.
"They can't do anything to Harry, though," said Ron indignantly on behalf of his silent friend. "I mean he saved everyone. It's not like they'll throw him in Azkaban for that, right?" It didn't make sense. Even months after Riddle's defeat, not a day went by without the Prophet praising and thanking Harry for what he'd done, a welcome change from their previous slander. He was a hero and everyone knew it.
"Well that's the problem, Ron" said Kingsley, lines of worry etched into his face. "I've been doing my best to try and show that the Ministry's turned over a new leaf, trying to be fair and impartial, eliminating corruption and favoritism, basing everything on right and wrong. And unfortunately, the use of an Unforgiveable Curse falls into the category of wrong. I could almost certainly get the charges against Harry dropped without—"
"Then do it," implored Ron.
Kingsley smiled despite the circumstances. "I could get them dropped without anyone complaining. In fact, I expect a huge outcry once the public gets wind of this in support of Harry. But…"
"But it'd set a precedent. And somewhere down the line someone will try and use it to needle their way out of trouble," said Harry, speaking for the first time, color and resolve having returned to his face. "It's okay Kingsley. I understand."
Ron's face drooped in understanding. Once again, Harry was going to do the stupid, idiotic, completely noble thing regardless of what it cost him personally. And once again, Ron knew there was no way he could talk Harry out of it. All he could do was look at his best friend and morosely wonder if it wouldn't have been kinder for Harry to have died in the fight against Riddle than to waste away in Azkaban. Perhaps it won't be so bad with the Dementors gone, he thought pitifully.
"I am hopeful," Kingsley continued, breaking through Ron's misery, "that with the circumstances being what they are, we may be able to get some kind of reduced sentence."
"But the curses, the Imperius and the Cruciatus, they're Unforgiveables. If I go free after casting them, even partially, won't that amount to the same thing as letting me off completely and set the same precedent?" asked Harry. Ron could hear it in his voice, the conflict between hope and acceptance.
"Well yes, it would. But as long as there's a trial, it shouldn't harm the Ministry's message going forward. Harry, you have to know that no one wants you convicted. You are, more than ever, universally seen as the savior of our world." At Kingsley's words Harry looked away appearing embarrassed and Ron smirked despite himself. He finally had an inkling of what it was like to be revered as a hero, and could sympathize with Harry's feelings. "And I believe that as long as the case and trial are handled properly and we get started on your defense immediately, your actions should more than make up for your transgressions. While I can't promise that you'll get off Scott free, I think a sentence can be reached that you can live with."
Ron listened. It sounded too good to be true, but it made sense. Harry had told Ron how he used the Cruciatus on a Death Eater during the last battle, but maybe it could be argued that he was only defending McGonagall. And Harry's use of the Imperius Curse during their Gringotts break-in had been absolutely necessary in getting their hands on the Horcrux and Riddle's final defeat. Of course explaining that was a whole other problem.
Harry appeared to be thinking along the same lines when he spoke next. "But how exactly can we do that? It's not like we can explain why we needed to break into Gringotts in the first place."
After slipping away to Gryffindor tower after Riddle's defeat, Harry, Ron, and Hermione had sat down together and discussed whether or not to share exactly what they'd been doing for the past nine months. Dumbledore had of course been very adamant that Harry share the information about Riddle's Horcruxes with only Ron and Hermione, and through everything they'd kept the secret their own. But with Riddle gone and the Horcruxes destroyed, Ron hadn't seen a need to continue the secrecy. It had been necessary to prevent Riddle from finding out what they were doing before they succeeded, he had argued. So what was the big deal in telling people about it now? Mostly Ron had been thinking of his family to whom he still owed an explanation, and of Hermione who had planned to finally come clean to her parents about everything once their memories were restored.
Harry on the other hand, had looked at things more practically. Yes, Riddle was gone, but not all of his Death Eaters had been apprehended. And if it was discovered that Riddle's near-invincibility was owed to the evil relics, who knew what other dark wizards would be tempted to follow in his lead? He had argued for complete secrecy, regardless of the difficulties it would pose for them personally.
In the end it had been Hermione who found a compromise as they munched on the sandwiches Kreacher brought them. While information about Horcruxes was very hard to find, it was certainly out there. Riddle had discovered how to create them as a mere boy, and he certainly hadn't been the first to make his own, even if he was the only wizard to have created multiple Horcruxes. To that end, she decided that Kingsley needed to be told, if only for the sake that he would know what steps to take in the future should another follow in Riddle's footsteps. And she also suggested that they tell Ron's father. He certainly wouldn't share that knowledge with anyone, and it would go a long way in explaining what they three of them had gone through. Ron had instantly agreed, insisting that there was no harm in telling her parents as well, since they were Muggles and probably wouldn't understand most of it anyway. And in the end Harry had reluctantly agreed, thanks in part to Hermione's insistence that Ginny would demand an explanation from him, and it was about time he gave her one.
Ron wracked his brain. "Maybe we can show them why it was necessary. With memories in a Pensieve. Take out the ones of our break-in and—"
"You know we can't do that Ron," Harry interrupted.
"I don't mean the whole thing," Ron clarified, "just the parts about getting the cup. We don't have to tell them what it was or why it was so important. Just say we needed it to defeat Riddle."
"I'm afraid that line of thinking won't work. They'd still want to know why. And unfortunately, since it's common knowledge that memories can be tampered with, it wouldn't really help clear Harry," said Kingsley.
"Well…what about Veritaserum?" Ron said, reaching frantically for a solution. "We can take it and they can just ask if we needed to use the Imperius to get the cup and we needed the cup to beat Riddle. And we'll tell them it was and—"
"That won't be possible either. We'll have no control over the questions they ask the three of you, and if you've been given Veritaserum, you'll have no choice but to answer them honestly and that could inadvertently lead to the revelation of things better left unsaid. No, I think a standard trial is the only way to go about it, and hopefully the Wizengamot will decide their verdict based on Harry's past actions and his character."
Ron felt so defeated that he completely missed one of the details Kingsley had mentioned. Harry, however, did not.
"What do you mean by the three of us?" asked Harry.
"Well the two of you and Hermione Granger of course."
Ron was having absolutely none of this. "Oh no. We don't need to get her involved in this. She didn't even do anything. We're the ones who broke the law."
"Ron, we need her," Harry argued. "I don't like involving Hermione either, but she'll help our credibility. And she knows a lot more about trials and laws and this stuff."
Ron was incensed. He could not believe Harry wasn't taking his side on this. Harry owed it to Hermione not to involve her in stuff like this. And more importantly, he owed it to Ron to keep her from getting involved. "We don't need her mate. We've got Kingsley," Ron said, looking hopefully to Kingsley who nodded his support. "And we can do this just as well as she can. Don't forget, I handled Buckbeak's appeal third year."
"And I seem to remember that Buckbeak lost that appeal."
"Well he still got a stay of execution."
"Only because Hermione and I helped him escape," Harry said with a certain finality in his tone. "So unless you've got a Time-Turner for insurance, I think we need her."
Finally Kingsley spoke. "Unfortunately Ron, Hermione is all ready involved whether you want her to be or not. You see, all three of you are charged with breaking into and stealing from Gringotts."
"But the Ministry doesn't even control Gringotts," whined Ron.
"And that is our biggest problem," said Kingsley, his tone very serious. "This is an entirely different issue. You see, the Ministry wants to put you on trial to clear your names as soon as possible. But the goblins of Gringotts want to punish you for your crimes. They're the very reason it's so imperative to bring you to trial and clear you as soon as possible. You three will need the support of the Ministry to avoid goblin retribution and we can only give you that support once you've cleared."
Ron remembered the warnings Bill had given him about dealing with goblins and a voice in his head that sounded suspiciously like Hermione's droned on about the violence goblins were capable of. And their own dealings with Griphook had certainly shown that goblins would not stop until they had exacted what they believed was owed to them.
He opened his mouth to speak, but Kingsley got there first. "Also, Ms. Granger has her own charges to answer to at the Ministry."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked. "She had her Apparition license and I'm pretty sure she never cast any Unforgivables."
"Yes, but the use of Memory Charms are very closely monitored. Just as there are other curses that can kill in a less direct method than Avada Kedavra, memory charms are seen as a form of control not unlike the Imperius Curse. And Hermione had to perform a number of them to modify her parents' memories to the extent that she did. She drastically changed the last nineteen years of her parent's lives in doing so, even if it was for their own good."
"But how does the Ministry even know about that?" Ron asked. "She used her own wand for that, not Bellatrix's."
"That is a good question, and one I have no answer for at present. Our Ministry obviously helped in getting her to Australia and in putting her in-touch with the Australian Ministry to assist her in finding her parents, but all anyone was told was that they had gone there to hide. No-one outside the Order should have known about the memory charms she used."
Everything just seemed to be going from bad to worse, and the mounting problems they now faced reminded Ron strongly of the times he and Harry had allowed their homework to pile up during fifth year until the very last minute so that it seemed impossible they could finish it in time—at least not without Hermione's help.
"But like your Apparition without a license charges, I don't think this is a great concern. We know that she has all ready removed the charms from her parents. So the only thing needed now is for Hermione to testify that it was done for their safety. At worst, she's looking at a fine for having performed the charms without their prior knowledge."
"So…we have to find Hermione?" asked Harry, looking over at Ron.
"Find her and bring her back," said Kingsley.
"And how are we supposed to do that? We don't know where she is. She never told us." Harry said this with his eyes still on Ron, looking for his friend to confirm his words, but Ron only grinded the hilt of his fork into the table.
"No, but since officials from the Australian Ministry helped her find her parents, they do. And they've kept close tabs on her during her stay. It's standard procedure to monitor foreign wizards, especially ones as prominent as Hermione."
Both Ron and Harry blinked, obviously unaware of that policy. Kingsley continued. "I hope neither of you had plans for today." Harry shook his head, then glanced over at Ron who mumbled something about being able to get by for a day or two. "Good," Kingsley said, reaching into a pocket and then slapping a rumpled bowler hat that looked very much like the one Fudge had been so partial to on the table. "This is your Portkey. It'll activate at 2:03, which gives you time to pack. There will be representatives from the Australian Ministry there to meet you when you arrive. They'll help you make it the rest of the way to where she's staying with her parents and arrange a return Portkey once you've filled her in. Remember, time is of the essence. The sooner you bring her back, the sooner we can get started on preparing your defense."
Ron was bowled over by everything he'd learned since Kingsley had arrived, and was so preoccupied processing the fact that they would be leaving for Australia in a matter of hours that he barely noticed the Minister stand to take his leave and completely failed to follow Harry's example in showing him out.
"Nice belated birthday present Kingsley brought you, huh?" said Ron as Harry returned to his seat.
"Remind me to return the favor." When Ron didn't respond, he tried again. "Just like the old days, eh?" Harry joked with a grin—Ron's favorite in the world since he saw it so little, even these days. "You and me, going to Hermione for help to get out of some mess."
Inwardly Ron frowned. It wasn't like the old days, not really. They'd never had to go to Hermione for help before. She'd always been there right beside them, ready with the answer before the two boys even fully comprehended the problem.
"Are you okay with this?" Harry asked uncomfortably.
"Not like we've got much of a choice, it seems," Ron said, finally digging his fork out of the table. Harry fixed it with a quick Reparo.
"That's the spirit," Harry feebly joked, clapping him on the shoulder before digging back in to his own breakfast. "Reckon we'll go pack soon as we're done. Only problem should be telling people we're leaving."
"Let's not." When Harry shot him an almost Hermione-ish look of disapproval, Ron clarified. "I mean we can write a note explaining where we've gone and why, but we'll just make sure they don't find it until after we've gone. Not that we should say anything about the trial and whatnot. Just say that we're going to bring her back and won't be gone for more than a day or two." Hopefully it'll be that easy to convince her, Ron though skeptically. "Besides, we really don't have time to go to the Ministry to tell Dad and Percy in person."
"You really think they'd stop us?"
"Why risk it?" Ron said, wondering briefly what his mother would think of them going halfway around the world. That's if she even notices, he thought.
This seemed good enough for Harry who downed the rest of his pumpkin juice in one go. "What about Ginny?" he asked after swallowing. "She'll notice if we try and slip off."
Ron looked at Harry for the first time in ages, flabbergasted. "What do you mean 'what about Ginny'? She's coming with us."
It was Harry's turn to look surprised. "She is? I mean you...you want her to come?"
Ron shrugged. "This isn't like going to hunt Horcruxes. Should be perfectly safe."
Harry looked at Ron suspiciously, then slyly. "You sure you won't mind? I mean I promise to keep the snogging to a minimum, but I don't know if that'll stop Ginny—"
"It'd bother me more if you didn't let her come with us. You know how she feels about the last year, being left behind. You swore to me you wouldn't hurt her like that again—"
"And I won't," Harry interjected.
"Then stop being thick and go tell her the news. She takes forever to pack. And make sure to knock first so she can make herself presentable before you go in to see her," Ron warned. Harry grinned at his best friend before nodding and walking away. Suddenly Ron's hand caught his arm, turning him back around. "Err, you might want to leave out the bits about why we have to go, at least for now."
Still grinning, Harry clapped his should again. "I'm not that dense mate."
"Right, Ron said, grinning in return "'Course not. That's why I know you'll be sure to make it clear this is a request because we want her there, and not because you feel guilty."
"Since when did you become so wise about women?" Harry said with a laugh.
He then headed to Ginny's room with a spring in his step, leaving before he could hear Ron's reply, or see the grin slide off Ron's face.
"Not as wise as you'd think," he said, jamming his fork into his last sausage before getting up to clean his and Harry's dishes.
...
Shortly before two, Ron rapped on the door softly, waited, then knocked again. He pulled out his wand and cast the charm to unlock the door and marched in. He really didn't want to do this right now. He was out of sorts all ready what with the pending trials, the having to travel halfway across the world with his annoying sister and her boyfriend, and the thought of seeing Hermione again. Dealing with his brother was always a delicate and complicated task, even when Ron was in the best of moods.
"George," he called out gently. His brother lay on his side, turned to face the wall, his back to Ron. He tried again. "George. We're leaving. Me, Harry and Ginny. I left a note for Dad, explaining things on the table. Don't know when we'll be back, but it probably won't be until tomorrow at the earliest. I fixed dinner though. It's in the icebox, just needs to be reheated.
George let out a groan as a way of response. At least Ron knew he was still alive. If you could call George's cycle of getting drunk every night and his subsequent hangovers being alive, but it was something. More than Fred at least, Ron thought bitterly.
"Don't go out until Percy gets home okay? I don't like leaving Mum all alone."
Ron waited, but when there was no response, he turned and left closing the door behind him. As it clicked, he heard a grunt that sounded like it could've been the words 'I won't.'
He went to his room and grabbed his bag before heading back down to Harry's. Briefly he considered saying goodbye to his mother, but knew nothing would come of it except a greater sense of guilt and helplessness. Trying to push thoughts of her to the back of his mind, he entered, finding both Harry and Ginny sitting on his bed playing exploding snap, their bags packed and ready. He wondered exactly what Harry had told her about why they suddenly needed to fetch Hermione, but was glad that he hadn't been the one to have to tell her.
"Well I left a note on the table downstairs for Dad and Percy to find when they get home," Ron said, setting his own bag on the floor and taking a seat on an empty crate. Actually there were two notes, one explaining that the three of them had left to go see Hermione in Australia, and another addressed to Percy, apologizing for the fact that he'd have to pick up the slack around the house with Ron gone. He'd also owled Verity at the shop, telling her he wouldn't be coming in for the next few days. Ron certainly felt bad about leaving, but he wasn't sure if he could attribute his feelings to guilt over leaving his family or if he simply didn't want to deal with the situation they found themselves in.
Australia was in the dead of winter as Ginny had thankfully reminded them and the three of them were bundled up with coats and scarves. It was almost comical with the August weather turning the house into a sauna. Actually the whole idea of traveling to Australia would have been rather exciting under normal circumstances. None of them had done much traveling; Harry had never been out of the country and Ron's and Ginny's trip to Egypt was now a distant memory. Of course, Ron couldn't really remember the last time the circumstances surrounding him could be called 'normal'. Probably the day before I met Harry, Ron thought amusingly.
"All set?" Ginny asked. Ron nodded, happy she wasn't asking him any questions. She'd been good about that actually. More so than even Harry, Ginny had been the best at getting Ron to forget his worries and concerns and allowed him to feel relaxed and enjoy himself and suddenly he feel a wave of affection for his little sister, quite happy she was being included on their journey.
He joined them on the bed as they put away their cards. They sat in silence until Harry announced "It's time." The three of them reached out to touch the hat and moments later, Ron felt the familiar jerk forward and his feet leave the ground before suddenly finding themselves deposited on a pitch of grass surrounded by closing darkness. Ron was pleased to find that he'd managed to stay on his feet. Harry had been less lucky and was picking himself up off the ground, Ginny helping him to dust off a few blades of grass that clung to his clothes.
"All right there?" a voice called out. The three of them turned to find a man a few years older than Bill with spiky bleach blond hair dressed in Muggle clothing watching them. Ron tensed for a moment, his hand on his wand, wondering what was worse: being spotted using magic by a Muggle or attempting to use a memory charm for the first time. Luckily he saw that the man was holding a wand, and relaxed.
"Must be the crowd I'm waiting for," the man said. "You'll be Harry Potter. Recognize the scar and all. Pleasure to meet you. Name's Arnie Stout, Australian Auror." He extended his hand and Harry took it.
When the man named Arnie didn't offer the same to either of Harry's companions, Ron spoke up. "Hey! We're in a bit of a hurry."
"Huh?" said Arnie, finally looking away from Harry's forehead. "Oh right, right. Well, welcome to Australia mates."
"Where exactly are we?" asked Ginny, looking around in wonderment.
"Kings Park in Perth."
"And Hermione's nearby?" asked Harry.
"Miss Granger? Not exactly. We'll be taking the Inback. Drop us off right near her folk's place."
"The what?" asked the three of them together.
"The Inback. Magical transport," said Arnie. "Should be by in a few. Come on then. Need to get a move on over to the bus stop."
As the set off, Ginny asked if Arnie was in-charge of keeping an eye on Hermione
"Too right," said Arnie a bit glumly. "And a dull job it is. Lucky I only have to check in on her a couple times each day, so I still get regular assignments. Still a bit of a pain, but at least Ms. Granger's not the homely sort."
He said this last with a smile on his face and Ron had to restrain himself from knocking Arnie's nose back into his brain. "And it's just you watching her?" Ron asked suspiciously, struggling to keep his voice even.
"Nah. Got my partner Gibbons on watch as well. We take her in shifts."
"And is Gibbons a bloke or a bird?" Ron asked, his teeth clenching at Arnie's phrasing.
"Bloke. But why's that matter?"
Noticing Ron's pained expression and suspicious eyes, Harry elbowed him in the ribs, and shot him a look when Ron looked about to complain. "Never mind," Ron mumbled.
"Well here we are," said Arnie when they'd reached the edge of the park before plopping himself down on a bench and slouching down. "Nothing to do now but wait."
Ron could not imagine how much of a mess the Australian Ministry must be if they were making blokes like Arnie into Aurors. Or maybe the problem was there weren't any messes, so they could afford to make a clown like him into a dark wizard catcher. Briefly he wondered how much trouble the country might be in if they were suddenly faced with their own dark wizard.
They stood around, Ginny and Harry taking in the sights, Ron tapping his foot impatiently as his frustration mounted. After what seemed like ages, the vehicle Ron presumed to be the Inback pulled up.
The Inback looked to be a single-story version of the Knight Bus. Luckily, he found it to be a much smoother ride once Arnie had paid their fares and they'd found their seats. As they sat three across, Arnie had to find his own seat a few rows away for them, and no sooner had they set off than the Auror promptly shut his eyes and began quietly snoring.
Just to be safe, Harry whipped out his wand and cast Muffliato before they finally filled Ginny in on the rest of the details about their trip. She took it well, much better that either of them had, though that was probably due to the fact that she knew they were agonizing about the trials enough all ready and her excitement about seeing Hermione. Soon as they'd finished she turned away from them to look out the window, watching the lights go by as moved away from downtown and toward the suburbs, stopping every so often to let off or pick up passengers.
The three sat in silence, Ron doing his utmost to keep his mind blank. Finally, with no warning whatsoever, Arnie stood up and yanked the pull chord, letting the driver know they wanted to get off. The Inback came to an abrupt stop and the three followed Arnie as he disembarked. They found themselves in a quiet suburb, the lights of downtown twinkling in the distance, and Ron was strongly reminded of the neighborhood Harry had lived in with the Dursleys.
"Well, here you go. Address is #23," Arnie said, holding out a piece of paper with the street and number written on it.
Ron took it. "You're not coming with us?" asked Harry.
"Arnie shook his head. "Try to interact with the Muggles as little as possible. Standard procedure. I'll be back at eleven tomorrow to fetch you for your Portkey back, so try and get everything sorted tonight." Harry and Ginny both seemed a bit put out by this, but Ron was more than happy to see Arnie go.
The three of them watched him Disapparate, then set off down the street, Ginny chatting Harry's ear off about something or other, Ron walking ahead of them silently not bothering to look at the addresses of the houses they passed. Behind him, Ron could sense Harry had his hand on his wand, even as his voice remained normal as he occasionally muttered a reply to Ginny, and smiled. His mate was going to be one hell of an Auror. Ron on the other hand, though quite tense, felt completely safe as they walked. He could almost pretend that they were just out for a late-night stroll, despite the chilled temperature. Just the four of them, strolling through the moonlight, a hand covered by an oddly-shaped mitten encased in his larger one…
Ron snapped out of his daydream as he found himself at the right house. #23. A simple home, smaller than the one the Granger's had owned back in England, which made sense. After all, the Wilkens had bought it when they thought it would just be the two of them living there, neither having any idea that their forgotten daughter would join them there ten months later.
"You sure this is the place mate?" asked Harry.
Ron nodded as he walked up to the porch, the others following. "Ginny, you should be in front."
"Why me?" she huffed. Ron groaned. He should've realized it wouldn't be a good idea to say that like he was trying to boss her around. He simply didn't know who would be opening the door: Hermione or her parents. If it was Hermione, it probably wouldn't make much difference who she saw first, but the last time Ron had spent any time with Hermione's parents had been before the start of sixth year. And since his behavior toward their daughter had been less than 'respectful' to her at times since then, and because he had no idea what exactly Hermione had shared with them, he thought it safer if Ginny was the first face they saw on their doorstep.
"Please Ginny," Ron asked. His sister looked at him for a moment before finding something in his expression that satisfied her. She turned back to the door and knocked.
It was several minutes before the door opened, and Ron finally comprehended how late it was. The Grangers had probably been asleep at this hour. Sure enough, when the door opened, they found themselves face to face with an angry, but sleeping looking Mr. Granger, dressed in a robe and slippers.
"Yes?" he asked gruffly.
"Err…" Ginny trailed off. Luckily, Harry jumped in, saving Ron from having to do so.
"Sorry, Dr. Granger. I don't know if you remember, but I'm Harry Potter, and this is Ginny and Ron. We're friends of Hermione and—"
A look of recognition dawned on Dr. Granger's face as soon as he turned to look at Harry. "Oh right, of course. A…what are you doing here?"
"Well, we were, eh, hoping to see Hermione."
Ron tensed, wondering what Dr. Granger would make of this. Would he be worried that they had come to bring Hermione back into danger? How would they explain the reasons for their visit without confirming his suspicions. He needn't have worried however. The man welcomed them inside and ushered them into a sitting room. He called to his wife explaining who their guests were, then turned back to them to explain. "Sorry, Hermione didn't tell us you were coming. She's out at the moment and we're not sure when she'll be back. Must've slipped her mind that you lot were coming tonight."
"She didn't know we were coming, actually," Harry corrected.
"Oh, a surprise visit, is it? Wonderful."
None of them said anything to the contrary, and soon Mrs. Granger joined them, bringing tea and h'ordeuvres with her, as the five of them sat. Hermione's parents chatted with them amicably, asking them how they were doing, how Ron and Ginny's family was dealing with the loss of Fred, and offering their sympathies. It was all horribly polite and rather uncomfortable, and Ron did his best to remain completely silent, only speaking up when addressed directly. This left Ginny and Harry to do most of the talking, which they clearly didn't appreciate, especially when Mrs. Granger complimented Ron on how much he'd grown since he'd visited their house the summer before sixth year. Neither he nor Hermione had ever shared that fact with Harry, and the look in Harry's eyes upon discovering this secret made him feel guilty. It was clear that he thought the least Ron could do in light of this betrayal was interact with their hosts, since he clearly had spent the most time with them. Thankfully, Ginny quickly changed topics by asking them how they were enjoying life in Australia.
Ron busied himself with the food and drinks, wondering how anyone could consider anything containing asparagus to be remotely appetizing, and noting how little the two were Muggles were sharing about their daughter. He was torn between wanting to hear everything about Hermione since she'd left him months ago and wanting to pretend like she'd been in touch with him all this time, keeping him abreast of her life with weekly letters instead of the single bit of post she'd sent to him since leaving. He was also quite curious about what could possibly be keeping Hermione out at this hour.
He looked at Hermione's father. There'd always been something off about him, something Ron disliked immensely about the person who'd been the most important man in Hermione's life. He'd never done anything to him personally to create this dislike. In fact, he had been quite friendly with Ron when he'd visited, which had pleased Hermione. And he knew Hermione herself adored her father. She'd inherited her drive to excel and thirst for knowledge from him. Nevertheless, the feelings still nagged at him.
Ron turned instead to look at Mrs. Granger and found her eyes on him. A lump rose in his throat at the sight. Her eyes were full of compassion and love and worry, so much like his own mother's, only without any hint of her anger. She knew where Hermione was, and probably why she hadn't written him all this time, but wasn't telling him. But why? To protect her daughter's privacy, or to protect his feelings?
He looked away, feeling rather uncomfortable. Hermione could read him better than anyone, and he knew from experience her mother possessed the same gift. So he returned his scrutiny to his tea and waited.
Shortly before midnight, they heard keys turning in locks, and the front door open. Right now, Ron could picture Hermione's surprise at finding the lights still on despite the late hour. She had probably all ready taken out her wand as a precaution, and he wished someone would call out to her to reassure her and let her know things were all right, unwilling to do so himself.
Finally, she made her way into the room and Ron found himself standing. He'd purposely situated himself in the seat furthest from the door, allowing himself to take in everyone's expressions upon her arrival. Not that he noticed. His eyes went to her and saw nothing else but the face that he missed more than any other in the world, the one that matched his dreams and memories so perfectly but still seemed completely different, as no memory could compare to the real thing.
"Hermione, sweetheart, your friends have come to see you," Mrs. Granger told her daughter unnecessarily. He saw Hermione turn to look at her, then glance at Ginny and Harry. Distantly he heard voices, though who they belonged to or what they were saying was impossible to make out. Then, she turned to him, and their eyes met.
"Ron," Hermione gasped softly.
Then, with more difficulty than at any time in his life except when he first awoke after being poisoned, he replied.
"Hey."
A/N: The story's title comes from the album Closer by Joy Division.
The chapter's title comes from the song "Hey" by the Pixies off their album Doolittle.
Just so you know, Perth is eight hours ahead of England time, so when they first arrive it's just after ten at night. The bus (yeah I know the Inback is a really lame name) ride takes about forty minutes.