Chapter 49 - Hogwarts, King's Cross and Privet Drive
<Harry….HARRY! Where are you? Where am I, for that matter?>
Harry woke with a start in his dormitory room. <What's wrong, Hermione? I'm in my bed, you're in the hospital wing - your shoulder was pretty bad, remember. Are you okay? Do you need to call for Madam Pomfrey? Or do you just need me to come down for a visit?>
<Oh, I'm fine…I think ...wait a minute… it's Harmony…she's gone! I mean…well, I can still remember all of her memories...but I can't FEEL her in my mind any more. Can you sense her still?>
<Now that you mention it, no…not since Bella hit you with that spell in the Department of Mysteries yesterday…I was honestly more worried about you, so I didn't really notice. But, you say you can remember all her memories…for both timelines?>
<Yes…as far as I can tell. But, she's gone…Harry, I need to talk to the Headmaster about this.>
At the mention of Dumbledore, Harry's mood clouded immediately. <Yes, you're probably right>, he sighed in her mind, <but don't call for him yet, Hermione…not unless I am there, too. After what he's done to us…to you, especially, not to mention Sirius, I no longer trust him to act in our best interests. I'll be there as soon as possible…I have to clean up a little after all that happened at the Ministry last night, and then I'll collect him at his office. Will you be all right until I can get there?>
<Yes, my love…but don't stop talking with me, all the same. I need to hear your voice…it helps keep me calm.>
<Gladly…I know just how you feel, by the way.>
So, Harry got out of bed and showered while he continually reassured Hermione over their mind link. He didn't even blush when he realized she was seeing through his eyes as he toweled off from his shower in front of the mirror.
<Well, Harry, I suppose we're even now!> she said, chuckling. <We've seen about all there is to see of each other - on the outside, anyway, and I already know all about what's inside you. So, are you okay with all this? As I've said before, it's not like either one of us will get a repeat showing any time soon…remember our promise?>
As he quickly finished dressing, he responded, <Of course I do…It's just like you said to me then - I'm not fussed in the least, seeing as it's you that saw me just now…it's no big deal. But, as I'm sure you agree, it wouldn't be a good idea to press our luck with repeat showings…not until after we're married, that is. I AM human, you know.>
<As am I, Harry…as am I.> she thought to him wistfully, as she indulged herself in a small mental replay of what she had just seen. Harry, by this time, had left his dormitory room and descended the stairs, walked through the Common Room, out the portrait hole, and into the corridor to the Headmaster's office. After shaking her head to clear that picture, she continued. <You know, Harry, it's strange. Yesterday I was legally a 16 year old girl who is biologically closer to 19 now according to Poppy's calculations from my time-turner abuse, but now I really feel MUCH older. I assume it must have something to do with Harmony- After we merged yesterday, I've got two lives worth of memories to sort out in my head, don't I?>
<Yeah, 'Mione, I can relate. Come to think of it if you add up both of my trips through the timelines, I'm probably in my 20's…so maybe that's why I'm a bit more mature about… you seeing me get out of the shower just now.>
As he continued down the passageway, he heard a familiar sound which he passed on to his girlfriend. <CROOKSHANKS! What are you doing back? Harry, I don't know if you knew this, but ever since that incident in the broom closet all those years ago,> for some reason THIS memory caused her to blush deeply <he's definitely been avoiding me whenever possible. Seeing Harmony that day must have really confused the poor thing.>
<Well, he's sure being friendly to me…purring and rubbing up against me.>To the half-kneazle, he smiled and said "Let me guess, you want to see Hermione, don't you? Well, I'll probably have to sneak you past Pomfrey, but I think I can do that."
Crookshanks jumped up into Harry's arms and looked directly in Harry's eyes, and Harry could have sworn he winked at him." So I suppose you're coming with me, then. First stop -the headmaster's office."
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"Ah, Mr. Potter…and Crookshanks! How good it is for you to stop by!" a bareheaded Albus said as he opened the door to his office. Harry sensed he was genuinely pleased to see his visitors, even though he knew Harry was not happy with him. "Is there something I can do for you, Harry?"
<Harry…please… for my sake, don't say anything that you'll regret later!> Hermione warned as she sensed the extremely rude, cutting remark he was about to make.
Harry almost started to say it anyway, but then he stopped and cleared his throat and said, stiffly. "Erm, no sir…but we will talk about that later. It's Hermione, sir. She can no longer feel Harmony's presence in her mind and we want to know what is happening…and we want to know now - I will no longer put up with you keeping things from the two of us."
Albus smiled knowingly but seemed to ignore Harry's last comment, "As far as Miss Granger can tell, both sets of memories still remain?" When Harry nodded, Dumbledore's face visibly relaxed. "The merger is complete, then…it does take a while for everything to settle in, you know, and I was afraid that the curse that Hermione was hit with might have interfered with things. Harry, you should know by now that not everything magical happens quickly. I have found that patience is a good virtue to develop, wouldn't you say, Mr. Potter? In my experience, impatience can lead to misunderstanding; conversely, developing patience leads to understanding…not necessarily acceptance, but understanding nonetheless..." He looked directly into Harry's eyes as he said this, and then he continued. "I assume that you would like me to accompany you to visit Miss Granger in the hospital wing? Let me get my hat. It's one of my favorites; you know…Minerva bought it for me last Christmas!"
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When they arrived at the Hospital Wing, they found Poppy already attending to her lone patient. "Yes, Miss Granger, your shoulder is healed again and you are almost free to leave. However, after all you've just been through, I feel that a complete diagnostic evaluation is in order. You know what to do - go change into this nightgown and I'll be with you in a minute.'
As Hermione started to comply with her instructions, she looked up and saw Harry heading her direction, still carrying Crookshanks in his arms. The two students ran towards each other and soon they were hugging each other enthusiastically "Oh, Harry…and Crookshanks! I'm so glad to see you…I was so worried when I couldn't feel Harmony…" At the mention of that name, the half-kneazle tensed noticeably and jumped down from Harry's arms as his fur rose menacingly, "and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to hear you, too… and… and…" she stammered as she started to cry.
"Don't worry, 'Mione," Harry said as he rubbed her back soothingly while they continued to hug each other "It's okay…I'm here…" <and I'm still here, too…> he thought reassuringly, which resulted in a shaky sigh from Hermione.
<And you better stay here...>
Albus coughed slightly as he walked up behind them. "Miss Granger, my school nurse is about ready to come down and drag you bodily back to your diagnostic exam. I suggest you delay your reunion for a moment until she is done with you, and then we'll have plenty of time to talk. In fact, I think that her findings may be of interest to all of us."
Pomfrey joined in "He's right, you know, Miss Granger. Now, would you PLEASE get undressed and change into this nightgown, or am I going to have to do it for you…in the aisle?" she said with a wink.
Harry and Hermione both got a sheepish look on their face as Hermione retired behind the privacy curtain and began to disrobe. Finally, she called out, "I'm done, Poppy…" and the nurse went behind the screen.
"Very good, Miss Granger. Now we've done this before…actually both you and Miss Puckle have, so you know what to do. Feet spread slightly, arms out…good… Now, let me get my wand, and …"
<Hermione…?>
Hermione put down her arms and said quickly, "Wait, Poppy…before you get started, would it be all right if …Harry joins us? I for one would prefer that he is here during the procedure."
Pomfrey considered her request for a moment. "Well, normally I would say no to a non-related male student observing while a female student undergoes this procedure, primarily because of what you are wearing. Doesn't leave much to the imagination, that diagnostic gown, now does it? But, under the circumstances, and due to the fact you are both technically of age, I can see no reason to refuse your request. Mr. Potter, if you please?" Harry quickly moved to stand beside the nurse.
"Now, watch carefully, Harry…I have a feeling this will be quite impressive." Poppy said as she waved her wand in an intricate pattern while moving it over her entire body. "Albus…" she called to the Headmaster who had remained in the main room, "could you do the honors and dim the lights? It may make it easier for young Mr. Potter to see her aura."
As Albus waved his hand, causing half the torches to go out and the other half to dim noticeably, it was quickly obvious that there was no need to reduce the room illumination. Dumbledore immediately saw a brilliant glow come from behind the screen, and heard three individual gasps accompany it.
Madam Pomfrey's voice was the first to recover. "Well, that…wasn't quite what I expected. Mr. Potter, are you all right? Albus, come here quickly…you have to see this."
Albus hurried over to see what Poppy's concern was, and was relieved to see what caused her concern. "Ah…I see that the bond between them is still functioning well, eh, Madam Pomfrey?" as his eyes glistened. Harry and Hermione were surrounded by a pure, indescribably white luminescence that was almost painful to look at. Their skin took on a translucent glow as the light appeared to be coming from deep within them. He had also noticed a separate beam of light, connecting Harry's scar to Hermione's unblemished forehead. The two students had a blissful expression on their shining faces, and it was obvious that they were not aware of any thing else going on in the room. As the adults stood there in awe, Albus began to notice rapidly changing, brilliant colors weaving their way through the bond and their merged auras. "Are you recording all this, Poppy?" Albus said quietly.
"Yes, Albus…it is quite something to see, now isn't it? Oh, look there…see that pattern?" she said, pointing to an angry purple glow that crossed Hermione's chest. That's from Harmony, I'd wager. That mark was caused by the original attack on her in the Department of Mysteries…in the original time line. So, Miss Puckle is now fully integrated back into her younger self's body, as we expected all along. Oh…now this is interesting…Albus, how could we have ever thought we could keep these two apart? I KNEW I shouldn't have given in to your request to create those potions! Never again, sir…I cannot in good conscience ever let my potion making abilities be used for the wrong purposes."
Dumbledore's face fell as he, too, saw what Poppy had pointed out. "But, you never told me that their bond was that powerful…I would have never done what we did if I had known."
"Remember, sir…the bond was still new at that time, and there was the added influence of Harmony affecting things. You know I would have told you if I had seen this indicator now. At that time I could only see the bond forming, but I never suspected…"
The aura had slowly started to fade. Harry and Hermione were now looking quite bemused from their shared experience. Harry was the first to speak. "What is it, you two? What did you see that interests you so much?"
"Love, Harry…" Albus said simply. "As you can still see, the two of you are bound by a love that I cannot find words to express…at least in English. And, since neither one of you knows the Ancient tongue, we have a definite problem in communication. Suffice it to say, Harry, that from what I have seen, there is only one thing I can say to you."
"And, what is that, sir." Harry said stiffly.
"Merely this, Harry. I apologize for doing anything to affect your memories or to numb your bond with each other. It was at my orders that Poppy created and Minerva administered the potion, so I am solely to blame for any harm this could have caused you. I have been an old fool…and I have let my love for you get in the way of my doing what is right."
"Sir, begging your pardon, but I've already had a conversation very much like this one with you in the original timeline, so I think I understand where you are headed. But, all of this STILL does not excuse your actions with regards to Sirius Black." At the mention of his twice-dead godfather's name, Harry lost control. "HOW COULD YOU LET HIM GO AGAIN…KNOWING WHAT YOU KNEW WOULD HAPPEN."
<Harry…please…you're hurting me!> Hermione gasped in pain as she felt a sharp stab of intense energy flow through the bond. She also noticed that the color patterns in the still visible aura were changing in a much more agitated fashion, and the colors themselves tended more toward dark hues and tints. <Calm down…please, Harry…he's trying to apologize…and your anger will not help matters.>
<Sorry, 'Mione…I didn't realize how my anger would affect you. You know I didn't mean to hurt you.>
<I know, Harry - it's okay…we're still learning how this bond works. But if you ever get angry again, at least warn me so I can be prepared!>
Hermione now spoke to the Headmaster. "On Harry's behalf, we accept your apology on one condition - that you explain to us why you did not keep Sirius from going to his death."
"Miss Granger, I assure you that I would not ever be as presumptuous as to keep a grown wizard from doing what he thought was right. Harry, did you not listen to what he told you in the Death Chamber? The last time I talked to him, he promised me that he would explain his actions to you this time if he had the opportunity."
"Yes…he talked to me… told me all about how it was his choice to be there., and he was willing to give his life for someone he loved…but WHY DID HE HAVE TO DIE?" he shouted again, this time not in anger, but in pain, as hot tears ran down his cheeks.
As Hermione reached over to wipe away his tears and hold his hand, Albus answered solemnly "Because he loved you, Harry…as did your parents when THEY sacrificed their lives to protect you from Voldemort…as Hermione loves you, and as you love her - where you would gladly sacrifice yourself for the sake of the other. It is the love that caused Miss Granger to come back for you when you were in danger…and sacrifice everything just to keep a promise she made to you. And, it is that love, which was the reason for those sacrifices, which now permeates both of your souls - as we have just seen so convincingly demonstrated just now. Yes, this is 'the power that he knows not…' that you possess in such great measure thanks at least partially to the sacrifice of others in you behalf. You don't know how sorry I am that you had to go through Sirius's death again…but it was his choice to do what he did. I know you will miss him terribly, but life will continue…and now you need to do all you can to make sure the sacrifices of your parents and Sirius were not in vain."
"By defeating Voldemort, right? Why does everything in my life have to boil down to that blasted prophecy?" Harry said with green fire in his eyes. "Sometimes I wish I had never heard of it, or him. I think I know now what one part of the prophecy means."
"And what is that, Harry?" Hermione said.
"Neither can live while the other survives…Unfortunately, my life will not be able to go forward until such time as one of us is dead. And, with all I have to live for," he said, squeezing Hermione's hand lovingly, "I know which one of us will prevail, eventually. But, until then, my love, I feel we better keep our relationship quiet. It would probably be best if we pretended that things were no different between us then they were in the original time line at this time, don't you agree, sir?"
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, that would be best. Besides, with a soul bond as strong as yours, you, at least, will know the truth, and it doesn't matter at all what others may think about you. Does this meet with your approval, Hermione?"
"Actually, sir, I was going to propose that very thing. We do not want to give Voldemort and his followers any information that they may try to use against Harry. Unfortunately, there are spies of all kinds here at Hogwarts, so if it becomes known that we are together, word will get back to Tom immediately - and I will NOT be used as a bargaining chip."
"Well said, Hermione - and very wise. As I'm sure you've heard, you are quite the clever witch. Oh, that reminds me…I have received a request from the healers at St. Mungo's to the person or persons unknown who may possibly know something about Dolores Umbridge's strange malady."
Hermione grinned wickedly for a second, but her face quickly took on the look of pure innocence. "What does the request say, sir?"
"First, the head Healer admits defeat, and asks that this person or persons please give them a clue as to how to proceed with their treatments? It seems that whenever they use the standard magical treatment for whatever condition Dolores is exhibiting, then those symptoms go away as expected and are immediately replaced by another plague, skin condition, or random transfiguration. They have identified a 30-step cycle that holds true most of the time, but there are a few random sequences thrown in for good measure to keep them on their toes. Miss Granger, Madam Pomfrey has informed me that you have some interest in the healing arts. Do you have ANY ideas that might be useful in this situation?" he said, winking at her cheerily.
"Well, the first thing I would say is that whoever did this would have to be quite intelligent…clever, actually; and there was probably more than one person involved due to the sheer complexity of the attack. It is sad to think that one of our honored professors at Hogwarts, especially one of such a noble, pureblooded lineage as our Miss Umbridge, would have been subjected to such cruel behavior…but sometimes, what goes around comes around."
Harry was barely able to choke back a laugh when he heard this last from his girlfriend. "Oh, yes, I agree, Hermione. It was such a tragedy that we lost the services of such a fine educator…"
"Never mind all that, you two. Hermione, seriously, is there something you could tell me? I assure you that there will be no recriminations for anyone involved."
"Hmmmm…let me think. Now if I was faced with a case of this nature, where it appears that the magical cure itself is the trigger for the next attack, that just maybe, the magical cure IS the problem…"
The light came on in Poppy's eyes as she realized what Hermione was hinting at. "That means…that to break the cycle, a non-magical cure would have to be administered…Albus, did the Healers provide a list of the 30-step cycle? Let me look at it…."
After a few minutes of studying, she pointed at one line in triumph. "THERE! There's the key to unlocking the cycle…those symptoms here match closely with the Muggle disease known as chicken pox, and the next symptoms appear to match the related disease they refer to as shingles…very painful, but curable with what the Muggle healers call 'anti-viral drugs', if I recall what I read in the old Muggle medical books I studied during my internship at St. Mungo's. I was being trained by a somewhat eccentric Healer at that time named Junius Pye. He was interested in investigating the use of Muggle remedies as aids to healing at St. Mungo's. In fact, I think his grandson, Augustus Pye, is a Trainee Healer there now. Anyway, Junius set up the program and I was in it for a few years. But back then, some of the more influential pureblood wizarding families refused to be treated by such means, so the program was cancelled. Oh, this will be interesting - if I recall, Dolores's parents were some of the leading opponents of the idea. So, for Dolores to find relief, she's going to have to accept a cure from the very program her family helped kill. Now that is ironic. Knowing her background, I'll bet anyone 100 galleons she'll refuse the treatment."
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Poppy was proven to be right in her assessment, but this was of little interest to Harry and Hermione the last few days before they were scheduled to return home on the Hogwarts Express. As the day drew closer, Hermione seemed more and more distant as she was obviously deep in thought. Finally, one day at breakfast, Harry could stand her silence no longer. "What is it, "Mione? What's bothering you?"
"Oh, I'm still confused about one thing…how are we going to get out of this time loop? Remember, I have all of Harmony's memories - and when she left her timeline to rescue you, the Muggle world was under attack from Tom and his band. I remember, right before I left, there was a Dark Mark hovering over my neighborhood. So, how do we get us back to where we belong? I've been doing some studying, you know" Harry rolled his eyes at this, but then grinned widely, "Ha, Ha…very funny, Harry. Anyway, if I understand the theory, this time loop will come to an end soon…and I for one don't want to be trapped here. My parents there need me to return."
"Your parents THERE? But what about your parents here? They need you, too. Besides, you've always lived in this time loop, so THESE are your parents, not the ones that are…were…whatever, Harmony's parents…or am I missing something here?"
"Oh, don't confuse me any more than I already am, Harry!" she sighed in exasperation. "Remember, I AM Harmony…so her parents are my parents, too." She sighed deeper this time. "I think it's time we visit the Headmaster again."
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"So, you see, Hermione…remember what I said. Yes, time paradoxes never really make any sense if you try to analyze them, but all you have to know is this. I have recently returned from a preliminary hearing at the Ministry to discuss the final disposition of the Death Eaters you helped capture, and while I was there I visited the Time Room…and 'borrowed' this specially modified Time Turner. If you set it up properly, using the techniques I will teach you, it can return the two of you to your proper timeline during the return trip to Kings Cross Station. That will take the least amount of explaining, I think. And yes, to answer your obvious question, Hermione, I assume that as soon as you leave this time loop, it will collapse, and it will be as if none of this ever happened - except to the two of you because of your memories. Do not fret, though - this time loop is an artificial construct based on Tom's meddling, so it needs to collapse - and allow the original timeline to come back into play." At her obvious concern, Albus continued. "Don't worry, Hermione. I assure you, you will not be guilty of mass murder or even abandonment if this existence ceases. Think of us here as a reflection of those you will know once again as soon as you return to where you belong."
She nodded her head slowly, started to say something, and then thought better of it, as Albus continued with his
instructions. "Hermione, I assume you remember from Harmony how to create a Portkey? Remember, since both of you
are, as Madam Pomfrey pointed out, 'of age' you no longer have to worry about violating the Underage
Sorcery decree. Then, Harry, I think after you arrive you may have some business to attend to at Privet Drive, and Miss
Granger would probably like to return to her parent's home, where I assume you will find all has returned to
normal."
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After a nauseating time turner trip that seemed to Harry to take forever, he and Hermione found himself at Kings Cross Station. He looked at his watch and saw they had arrived a good hour before the Dursley's would have left Privet Drive to pick up their new car and retrieve Harry. "Good" he said, "that gives us plenty of time to ruin Vernon's plans for me. Hermione, we need a Portkey to my neighborhood. How about Mrs. Figg's house on Wisteria Walk? <Here, let me show you where that is…> That's far enough away that we can sneak in, but close enough that we won't waste too much time getting to Privet Drive."
Hermione grabbed a drinks can she found on the sidewalk, quickly tapped it with her wand and muttered Portus as she concentrated on the location Harry had shown her. The can glowed blue and trembled slightly, and she smiled. "Whenever you're ready, Harry -grab on. On the count of three then…One…Two….Three."
They landed in the middle of one of Mrs. Figg's flower bushes <Sorry about that, Harry…I guess those flowers you remembered drew my attention…> and quickly retreated to the side yard where they wouldn't be noticed by curious passers-by. When they saw the street was clear of any pedestrians, they started the short walk towards Privet Drive.
<Now what, Harry? What do you intend to do, anyway?>
<I'm not really sure, 'Mione…all I know is that I've got to do something to interfere with Vernon's deal with Bellatrix. Any ideas?> he said as they stealthily approached the house at number 4.
<Tell me again what happened to you today and maybe we can think of something.>
Harry began to recount his memories of that afternoon so long ago, starting from when he had been picked up in the new car, and his assumption that they had stopped by the sales lot on the way to Kings Cross that day. Hermione's eyes lit up at this, but didn't say anything. Harry continued to describe the rest of what had happened, from his realization that he no longer considered Privet Drive to be home, to his thoughts about Hermione and Ron, his embarrassment when Vernon guessed correctly about just who he was thinking about, and Vernon's loud diatribe which Harry hoped would possibly get him in trouble with Mafalda Hopkirk.
<THAT'S IT!> Hermione shouted triumphantly as Harry winced. <Oh, sorry, a bit too enthusiastic there, was I? But I know what to do! Just listen to me for a minute, my love…>
As Hermione explained her solution, Harry's grin grew wider and wider until he could not control his laughter. <Good one, Hermione…Vernon won't know what to think…he always prides himself on keeping his things 'Ship shape and Bristol fashion'. And then, when he starts seeing the Ministry Owls arrive…>
By this time, they had taken cover behind a large hydrangea bush below the living room window <Don't worry, 'Mione. The only way anyone can see us here is if they stick their head out that window and look straight down. Trust me, I know…> From here, they could see the Dursley's car, apparently freshly washed, waxed, and cleaned in preparation for its impending exchange.
Hermione grabbed a watering can and converted it to another Portkey as she nodded her head in agreement. <This is perfect, Harry! Now, do you want me to do the honors, or should I leave the automobile work to the man in the family?>She grinned at him slyly as she thought this.
<Very funny, my love…although I appreciate the reference…we ARE going to be a family someday, aren't we?> He took a moment to collect himself as the emotions he felt at that thought surged in his chest. After a pause, he leaned over and kissed Hermione, then pointed his wand at the car, muttering a complex charm. The car glowed for a second before it returned to its normal appearance.
<Very good, Harry…now we wait.>
They didn't have to wait too long before they heard voices come out of the living room window. Vernon was apparently going over their itinerary one more time "Remember, first we exchange vehicles, then we pick up that unnatural boy and his bloody parrot, then we come back here to turn him over to his lot to dispose of. That woman made it clear that this would all fall apart if anything at all went wrong - something about critical timing, she said. Well, no matter…we're going to be rid of all this foolishness after tonight, and we'll have a new car, a new home, and a vacation home in Majorca to show for it…quite a trade for such a scrawny boy as Harry, wouldn't you say, Petunia? Do you all have your last few things packed and ready? Look at the time - we'd better get going."
Harry and Hermione watched with hands over their mouths to hold in the giggles as the Dursleys loaded into the car. Vernon swore loudly as he tried to get the seat belt wrapped around him, but finally he got the key in the ignition and attempted to start the engine. As he turned the key, strange noises started coming out from under the bonnet, and purple smoke rose from both the boot and the exhaust pipe. Petunia was the first to notice that the car's paint was changing colors randomly before it started to run off the sides of the vehicle, leaving large rusty-colored patches behind. Then, one by one, each electrical light on the car, starting with the headlights, started flashing, slowly at first, but then with increasing speed and brightness, until they all started popping from the stress. And, as a final insult, each of the tires slowly deflated, sounding exactly like four very loud whoopee cushions in the process. This drew the attention of the neighbors up and down the street as they peeked out from behind their curtains.
<OK, Harry. One last spell, and then grab on to the Portkey - NOW!>
Harry waved his wand one last time, turning the car into a very familiar object - a large pudding made of mountains of cream and sugared violets, which immediately covered the Dursleys head to foot in a sweet, sticky mess as they found themselves on the ground. He then grabbed the spout of the watering can and winked at his fiancée. <Well, it worked last time - Mafalda's owl should be on its way already! That should keep them from their appointment with Bellatrix, now shouldn't it?>
Hermione winked back. <Next stop, my house! One, Two, Three…>