Authors' note: We really do appreciate the feedback from the last chapter. We have really enjoyed writing this storyline and are glad that you seem to like it too, even with all the angst and drama!
Harry and Hermione stood huddled together underneath an umbrella. Today was Sean Grant's funeral and though they had a lot on their minds at the moment, they wanted to pay their respects to the boy who had been a big part of their daughter's life.
Hermione looked over at Sean's mother who was sobbing uncontrollably. She couldn't imagine what that woman was going through. Hermione was just keeping it together as it was with Saffron missing.
"We should go say something," she said softly to her husband.
Harry nodded and together he and his wife walked over to the Grants.
"Laura, Matthew," Hermione said. "I'm so sorry for what happened."
"Hermione," Laura took her hand. "Thank you so much for coming. Sean loved Saffron so much."
"Saffron loved him too," Hermione said. "He was such a remarkable young man."
"If there's anything we can do," Harry offered, but Matthew Grant shook his head.
"We should be offering you our help," Matthew said quietly. "Is there any news?"
Harry nodded. "We know she's alive and unhurt at the moment. Still no idea on her whereabouts."
Hermione gave the other woman a hug. "I am so sorry for what happened, Laura."
Laura sobbed again. "My boy..."
Hermione was at a complete loss as to what to say.
"Laura," Matthew said putting his arm around his wife. "Come on. Let's get you out of the rain."
Laura nodded, clutching a soggy tissue in her hand.
"If you need to talk, please give me a call," Hermione said.
"Thank you," Laura whispered gratefully. "Sean loved Saffron so... and she's a lovely girl. We'll pray that nothing happens to her."
"Thank you," Hermione said softly. She and Harry watched Laura head in the other direction.
"I can't imagine what that's like," Hermione said quietly. "To bury your child."
Harry shook his head. "I don't ever want to know."
"I think it's time I told my mother," Hermione said looking at her husband.
"Do you think that's wise?" Harry asked.
"She's been missing for over a week," Hermione snapped. "What do you want me to tell her, Harry?"
Harry put a hand up to calm her down. "Hermione, I only meant--"
Hermione started to stalk away from him. She didn't care that it was raining.
"Hey," Harry caught up to her. "Not here."
"I'm going back to the office," Hermione said still walking ahead of him.
"You're getting soaked," Harry said. "Hermione--"
"My mother deserves to know, Harry." Hermione snapped.
"I just think you should wait---" Harry tried to reason with her. "Hermione..."
Hermione brushed his hand away and kept walking.
"You're angry with me," Harry replied. "Why?"
"I'm angry with both of us," Hermione turned and rounded on him. "We were supposed to keep her safe! We can fool ourselves into thinking that this wasn't our fault, but it was. Because of who we are, she was taken! I can't ever forgive myself for that, Harry!"
"Hermione," Harry said. "You don't think that crosses my mind almost every minute of every day since she disappeared?"
Hermione looked up at him, her lower lip trembling. "She, Ethan, and Julie are my life, Harry."
"Mine too," Harry reached to pull her to him. "And you, Hermione."
Hermione put her arms around him.
"Come on," Harry said. "Let's tell your mum."
"I'm sorry," Hermione apologised.
"It's okay," Harry pressed his lips to her forehead. "We have to stay strong, sweetheart."
"For Saffy," Hermione said looking up at him.
"And Elinore," Harry squeezed her hand.
"Mum," Hermione said softly. "I don't know how she's going to take this."
"Not too well, I'm sure." Harry said.
"She and Saffy are very close," Hermione said. "Always have been."
Harry sighed. "I just wish we didn't have to tell her at all."
Hermione nodded. "Thank you for coming with me."
"I'd do anything for you," Harry said.
"All I want is for our baby to be home, safe and sound," Hermione said wiping at her eyes.
"I do too," Harry said. "And she'll be home soon, safe and sound. I'm going to find her, Hermione."
Hermione wanted to believe him.
"I am," Harry noticed the look in his wife's eyes.
"We should get out of the rain," Hermione said.
"Right," Harry cast one more look at the Grant family before leading his wife away.
Elinore Granger was just sitting down with a book when she heard the doorbell. Her live-in nurse stood up to answer the door. A few moments later, the nurse was leading Harry and Hermione into the sitting room.
"Hermione? Harry? What are you two doing here?" Elinore asked.
"Hi mum," Hermione said. "We um... we have to... talk to you."
"I thought you were going to be in Brighton until the 15th," Elinore said setting her book aside.
"We came back early," Harry told his mother-in-law.
"Whatever for?" Elinore asked. "I heard the weather is lovely down there right now."
"Well," Hermione began. "There's something--"
"Did Saffron come with you?" Elinore asked. "She and I were going to have a Scrabble rematch."
"No Mum," Hermione sat down. "That's actually why we're here."
Elinore noticed that her daughter's eyes were red. "Hermione, have you been crying?"
Hermione looked up at Harry for help. "It's been a rough week, Mum."
"Should I make some tea?" the nurse asked.
"That would be great," Harry told her.
The nurse nodded and went into the kitchen.
"Mum," Hermione took Elinore's hand. "Harry and I have something very important we have to talk to you about."
"What is it, sweetheart?" Elinore asked.
"Well," Hermione blinked back new tears. "It's about Saffy."
The slight smile on Elinore's face fell. "Saffy?"
"We were in Brighton," Harry said taking over for his wife who couldn't bring herself to say it again. "She had gone out for the day with her friends. There was---there was a man---"
"He took her," Hermione said, wiping her eyes.
"Took her?" Elinore gasped.
"She's been kidnapped," Harry said gently. "We're working as hard as we can to find her, but we don't really have any concrete leads."
Elinore shook her head. "No. Not my Saffy..."
"She's not hurt," Harry said quickly. "Maddie had a vision of her."
"But she's not home," Elinore said quietly. "Not where she belongs."
"I'm working to get her back," Harry reassured her. "So is Ethan."
Elinore shakily got to her feet and walked over to the fireplace. She looked at a photograph of her youngest granddaughter with Robert. Having her come home every weekend to spend time with her grandfather during his recuperation had been very therapeutic for Robert.
"Grandpa, what do you want for lunch?" Saffron asked looking up from her textbook.
"Bacon sandwich with extra mayonnaise," Robert replied.
"Nice try," Saffron said. "You know that's not on your diet."
"Can't blame me for trying," Robert answered.
"I still have some of that watercress salad," Elinore said. "I bought it at the grocer's."
Robert's nose scrunched up in disgust. "Ellie---"
"I think that's just what you need Grandpa," Saffron said.
"That rubbish has no flavour," Robert huffed.
"It's good for your heart," Elinore reminded him. "And it's all those bacon sandwiches you were eating that got you in this mess, Robert."
"Maybe just a little bacon wouldn't hurt, Grandma," Saffron said. "Surely he could splurge on just a piece or two."
"Saffy's right," Robert grinned. "Two pieces wouldn't hurt."
"Okay," Elinore relented.
Saffron winked at her grandfather before heading into the kitchen.
"Two slices," Elinore told him. "That's it."
"I've got it covered Grandma," Saffron replied.
"What about dessert?" Robert asked.
"Applesauce," Elinore replied. "Don't make that face."
"I don't know what's wrong with a little chocolate," Robert muttered.
"Grandpa," Saffron said carrying a tray of watercress salad and bacon into the sitting room. "You are so stubborn."
"Where do you think you get it from, Saffron Grace?" Robert asked.
"You," Saffron said setting the tray before him. "And if you're really good, you can have a small piece of angel food cake. It's fat-free."
"Where did you get that?" Elinore asked.
"Greta made it," Saffron told him.
Robert grinned at his wife. "What would we do without her?"
"Be very bored," Elinore said grinning back at him.
"I love having you here," Robert told his granddaughter. "It's the best medicine."
"Of course it is," Saffron answered.
"Modesty," Elinore said dryly. "Another trait she inherited from you, Robert."
Saffron giggled. "How about some tea?"
"I'd love that," Robert replied. "Thank you, sweetheart."
"What about you Grandma?" Saffron asked.
"I'd love a cup," Elinore said. "In fact, I'll help you with it."
"I expect all that watercress to be gone, Grandpa," Saffron said.
"Yes, ma'am," Robert said.
Elinore shared a laugh with her granddaughter.
"Having you here has been so good for him," Elinore told her when they got into the kitchen.
Saffron smiled. "It's been good for me, too. I love spending time with you guys. I know you were worried about me missing out on things, but I'm not. I'm keeping up with my school work and I spend time with my friends during the week. It's the best of both worlds."
"That's our good girl," Elinore said proudly.
"How are you doing with all this?" Saffron asked. "I know it hasn't been easy on you."
"It's been easier knowing I have such a lovely family to lean on," Elinore said.
Saffron gave her a hug. "Oh, Gran. You can always lean on us. You know that."
"We love you so much sweetheart," Elinore hugged her back.
"That's good," Saffron said grinning at her grandmother. "Because you are stuck with me. I'm not going anywhere."
"She said she wasn't going anywhere," Elinore sobbed to Harry and Hermione.
"Mum," Hermione said coming up behind her mother. "We're going to find her."
Elinore sat down limply, her head in her hands.
"When did this happen?" Elinore finally asked.
"Over a week ago," Hermione replied.
Elinore looked at her daughter in disbelief. "My granddaughter has been missing for over a week and you're just now telling me?"
"We were hoping to find her," Hermione said helplessly. "And not stress you out--"
"How could you not tell me?" Elinore asked. "I had a right to know!"
"I'm sorry," Hermione apologised.
"I'll never forgive you for this," Elinore said pulling away from her daughter.
"Mum!" Hermione gasped.
"How would you have felt if I'd kept what happened to your father from you?" Elinore asked. "Because I thought you wouldn't be able to handle it?"
"Please Mum," Hermione pleaded. "I know we should have told you sooner. But fighting right now isn't going to help us get Saffy back."
Elinore softened. "Oh, Hermione. I'm so sorry."
"Mum," Hermione reached over and hugged her. "We're so worried too."
Elinore hugged her back tightly. "My sweet girl..."
Hermione blinked back a new onslaught of tears.
"Elinore," Harry said. "We're doing everything we can to find her."
"Of course," Elinore said. "Of course you are."
Harry gave her a hug. "We'll keep you updated from now on. I promise."
"Thank you," Elinore said softly. "My poor Saffy."
"We've had someone watching your house, too," Harry told her. "This man seems to have a vendetta against our whole family. We want to make sure everyone's safe."
"Of course," Elinore said vaguely.
"Maybe you should stay with us," Hermione said. "Just until this is over..."
"That would be a good idea," Harry said encouragingly.
"I'd like that," Elinore replied after a moment.
Hermione felt a huge sense of relief. "I'm so glad, Mum."
Elinore smiled. "It's times like this when you need to be with your family."
"You're right," Harry replied.
Hermione looked at her husband. "Why don't you go on back to headquarters? I'll help Mum get her things together."
"Sounds good," Harry nodded.
Hermione gave him a hug. "I'm sorry about before..."
"I know sweetheart," Harry ran a hand through her hair.
"You'll let me know if you hear anything?" Hermione asked.
"Right away," Harry promised.
Hermione released him. "I love you."
"Love you too," Harry gave her a quick kiss.
Harry Apparated back to the Ministry. He was eager to see if there were any new leads. Dolohov had to screw up at some point.
"Any news?" Harry asked his son as he entered the office.
Ethan shook his head. "Nothing. How was the funeral?"
Harry shook his head. "I didn't even know what to say to the Grants."
Ethan leaned against the wall. "He was a good lad. Cared about Saffy a lot."
"Enough to save her life at the expense of his," Harry answered quietly.
"How's Mum holding up?" Ethan asked.
"Okay," Harry said. "Your Gran is coming to stay with us until this is all over."
"You told her?" Ethan asked.
"Your Mum wanted to," Harry sat down at his desk.
Ethan was glad that everything was out in the open. He knew how his grandmother liked her independence though. "I'm glad that she's going to be with you and I know it puts Mum's mind at ease."
Harry nodded. "It sure does. Now... we just need o get Saffy home."
"Justin and I are going out in a few minutes," Ethan said. "Knockturn Alley."
"What's there?" Harry asked.
"Murphy Granlow," Ethan told him. Granlow was a reformed Death Eater who still had ties to some of his old cohorts. He had been helpful in a number of investigations in the past. "See if he's heard anything on Dolohov."
Harry nodded. "Good idea."
"I learned from the best," Ethan said.
Harry smiled briefly. "Let me know what you hear."
"I will," Ethan promised. "I'll see you later, Dad."
Harry nodded and leaned back in his chair. He waved his hand and the door to his office closed. He'd made a point not to break down in front of anyone. They needed him to be strong.
But when he was alone like this, he could let his feelings emerge. The disappearance of his baby daughter was almost more than he could bear.
He put his head in his hands and started to cry. He had to find his daughter. There was no other option.
"Harry, I was thinking---" Neville said as he opened the door. "Oh---I'm sorry..."
"It's okay," Harry said. "Just... letting it out."
Neville nodded. "I can go--"
"No," Harry shook his head. "What were you thinking?"
Neville sat down. "Well, Kingsley, Lupin, and I were talking."
"Did you find something out?" Harry asked apprehensively.
Neville hesitated a moment. "We think...we think that it would be best if someone else was in charge of the investigation."
"What?" Harry stared at them. "Neville, this is my daughter--"
"Which is precisely why we think that you shouldn't be in charge," Neville interjected. "Harry, you are much too close to this and you're not the most objective person here."
"You can't stop me from looking for her," Harry said angrily.
"No one's saying you have to stop," Neville tried to calm him down. "But you and Ethan are..."
"Going to find her," Harry stood up.
"Harry," Neville called after him. "Come on, mate..."
"If this was Frankie, Allie or Chiaki," Harry began. "Would you give it up?"
"No, of course not," Neville said. "And no one's asking you to give up. We just think it best if you're not the lead Auror on this one. If the situation was reversed, you'd be saying the same thing to me, Harry."
"No I wouldn't," Harry denied.
"I'm on your side," Neville told him. "I love Saffy like she was one of my own."
Harry sat down at his desk again. "I can't just sit around like this. I have to be out looking for her."
"I know," Neville said. "But you don't have to do it alone."
Harry sighed. "I just feel helpless."
"We're going to find her," Neville said firmly.
"We told Elinore," Harry said. "She didn't take it well at all."
"I see," Neville said nodding.
"She's moving in with us for now as well," Harry rubbed at his eyes.
"That's great," Neville said. "I know it will put Hermione's mind at ease."
"I hope so," Harry said.
"I wish there was more that I could do," Neville said. "Cho and I would do anything."
"I know," Harry nodded. "We know."
There was a knock on the door. "Come in."
Hermione's assistant, Samuel, stood on the other side of the door. "Um, I'm sorry to interrupt, Harry."
"Yes, Samuel?" Harry asked.
Samuel was holding an envelope. "I was going through Hermione's owl post. This was---this was among the letters..."
Harry stood up and grabbed the envelope.
He opened the envelope that was addressed to Hermione. He felt his anger bubble up as he read the words.
"What does it say, Harry?" Neville asked.
Dear Minister:
How I have enjoyed our game! Your daughter has been such sweet company. I watch her all the time. She is quite a girl. No wonder you and your husband are so proud of her. It would be such a shame for her young life to end so soon.
You do realise that she cries for you in her sleep? The hope in her eyes dies each day when you and your husband fail to appear to rescue her. But, really, you only have yourselves to blame. I had no other choice.
I'll take good care of her for you. I promise.
"Son of a bitch," Harry cursed. "I'll kill him. I'll fucking take him by the throat and--"
"Harry," Neville tried to calm him.
"I have to find him before he does anything to her!" Harry crumpled the note in his fist.
"Samuel," Neville said. "You didn't see which owl delivered this, did you?"
Samuel shook his head. "We get thousands of letters each day, sir."
"I don't know how to tell Hermione this." Harry said.
"You have to," Neville told him.
Harry raked his hands through his hair.
Neville took the letter from him. "We need to look this over and see if there are any hidden clues."
Harry nodded. "It'd be better if I could go to Hermione with something more than this."
"You'll be bringing her home soon," Samuel said. "I know you will, Harry."
"Thanks Sam," Harry said quietly. "And I appreciate you bringing this to me."
"Of course," Samuel replied. "I'll let you know if we receive anything else."
"We appreciate it," Neville said.
Samuel left the two Aurors alone again and Harry looked at Neville. "Do what you have to with that letter. I'll take it home to show Hermione when you're finished."
Neville nodded. "We'll find something in it."
Harry stood up again. He couldn't sit here in his office twiddling his thumbs. "I'm going to get out of here. Check in with some old contacts. I'll be back later."
Neville nodded. "Just be careful, Harry."
Harry didn't respond. He headed out of his office and toward the lifts. He didn't know where Dolohov was, but he knew what he was capable of. Harry didn't care what it cost. He was going to bring Saffron home and if he had to kill Dolohov to do it, than so be it.
*** *** ***
It had been two weeks since Alexa had woken up in hospital and she knew something strange was going on. The healers said she had the wizarding flu, yet she felt fine. And RJ, as attentive as he was, seemed to be holding back. Everyone around her seemed to know some big secret, but no one would tell her what it was.
"I really am fine," Alexa told the nurse. "I would like to go back to school. I'm already two weeks behind."
"We have to keep you here to be sure, love," the nurse replied kindly.
Alexa sighed.
"Hey," RJ said from the doorway.
"RJ!" she brightened.
RJ smiled at her. "I brought you some new books and magazines."
"You're the best," she said happily.
RJ laughed. "You've told me that about a hundred times now."
"It's just so boring here," Alexa pouted.
"How about a walk?" RJ asked.
"Can we?" she asked the nurse.
The nurse nodded. "I don't see why not. Just don't take her very far."
"I promise we'll stay close," RJ said picking up Alexa's robe. "Come on, Lexie."
Alexa gratefully slid on the robe then wrapped her arms around him.
RJ hugged her back. "Let's break you out of here."
She went to kiss him but he turned and she got his cheek.
"RJ," Alexa said confused.
"I think I'm getting a cold," RJ lied.
"Oh," Alexa said disappointed.
"Come on," RJ put his arm around her.
Alexa was silent as they walked out of her room.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"You tell me," Alexa said sullenly. "Have I done something wrong?"
"Of course not," RJ answered.
"You haven't kissed me since this happened," Alexa said quietly.
"You've been sick," RJ said uneasily.
"I'm fine," Alexa told him. "Absolutely fine."
RJ wasn't sure what else to say. He hated the fact that they were all lying to Alexa.
"Why are you here?" Alexa asked him point blank.
"To see you," RJ replied.
"Just go back to Hogwarts," Alexa said turning away from him. "I can walk by myself."
"Lex--" RJ caught her hand.
"Let me go," Alexa said.
"Why are you acting like this?" RJ was a bit frustrated. He didn't want to be unfaithful to Audrey, but Alexa was making things difficult.
"Because you aren't telling me something," Alexa replied. "I love you, RJ."
"Look, things will be better when you get out of the hospital," RJ said, hoping to avoid answering her. "Things will be... a lot clearer."
Alexa softened. "You promise?"
RJ nodded. "I promise."
Alexa took his hand and they resumed their walk.
"I know this wasn't very easy for you," Alexa said. "Coming here."
"Why not?" he asked.
"It's never easy to watch someone you love getting sick," Alexa explained. "I remember how I felt when you were in the hospital wing after what happened with Christina. I was so scared."
"Oh yeah," RJ said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Let's go out on the observation deck," Alexa said. "I'm dying for some fresh air."
"Sure," RJ agreed.
Alexa opened the door and beamed when she felt the wind on her skin.
RJ grinned as he saw her smile. He'd forgotten just how pretty she was.
Alexa smiled. "It's so beautiful outside."
"Yeah it is," RJ agreed. "And it's good for you to get fresh air."
"I seem to remember someone telling me that very same thing when he wanted to get me out of the library and up to the Astronomy Tower to snog," Alexa reminded him.
"Those were the days, eh?" RJ asked.
Alexa nodded and looked up at the sky. "Full moon tonight."
RJ nodded. He remembered that he was supposed to pick Audrey up at the pub in about an hour and hoped he'd be on time.
Alexa leaned against him. "I really am glad that you're here."
"Me too," RJ said. "I just want you to get better, Lexie."
"Maybe Saffy can come with you next time," Alexa said. "I miss her."
RJ stiffened at the mention of the other girl.
"I wrote her a couple of letters," Alexa said. "I asked Mum to post them for me."
"I'm sure she'll enjoy reading them," RJ managed.
"I hope so," Alexa replied. "Will you tell her that I'm bored out of my mind and though I never thought I'd say it, I'd be happy to hear her and Beth arguing about keeping our room tidy."
"Right," RJ forced a smile. "Saffy's sure one of a kind."
"She always says the world couldn't handle two of her," Alexa laughed.
"That's for sure," RJ answered. "We should get you back to your room."
"Yeah," Alexa said frowning.
"I'll walk you back down there," RJ said.
"I was hoping you'd say that," Alexa said linking her arm in his.
They arrived back at the room in time to see Gabriel coming out.
"What are you doing here?" Alexa asked.
"I um... just was in the area," Gabriel had hoped by some miracle she would remember him. The past two weeks had literally been hell.
Alexa didn't know why this bloke was hanging around. She didn't know him.
"Um, well, that's nice," Alexa said politely.
RJ cast him a sympathetic look. "Alexa was just going back to bed- they want her to rest up."
"That's all they want me to do," Alexa complained.
"Because you need to get better," Gabriel said.
"That's what my parents keep telling me," Alexa said.
"I can help you back to bed if you want?" Gabriel offered, desperate for some real contact with her. He hoped if he could talk to her, he'd be able to jolt her back into present time.
"No, that's okay," Alexa said. "Thanks."
Gabriel nodded and stuffed his hands into his pockets.
"So, I'll see you tomorrow?" Alexa asked RJ.
"Yeah," RJ said giving her a hug. "Sweet dreams."
Alexa beamed at him. "Thanks again. I love you."
With that, she walked into her room and closed the door.
RJ looked sheepishly at Gabriel. "We just went for a walk is all, mate."
"I know," Gabriel said quietly. "This is just hard."
"I know," RJ said. "She--she asked about Saffy again. She wonders why she isn't coming to visit her."
"There hasn't really been any word since that new letter," Gabriel answered.
RJ sighed. "How's Lavender taking it?"
"Not so good," Gabriel said. "Everything's been really tense."
"Everything will sort itself out," RJ said confidently. "I mean, Uncle Harry and Ethan are going to do everything they can to bring her home."
"I hope so," Gabriel answered. They walked in silence for a moment. "Do you think this is fair?"
"Nothing about this is fair," RJ replied.
"But do you think we should be keeping the truth from Lexie like this?" Gabriel asked.
"The healers said it was best," RJ answered. "They want her memories to come back naturally."
Gabriel sighed. "No offence, but it's just hard to see her with you like this."
"It's just as hard for me to lie to her," RJ said. "I hate that, but it's the best thing for her."
"What does Audrey think of this?" Gabriel asked.
"She's not thrilled, but she understands," RJ told him.
Gabriel sighed. "Do you know how close I've come to telling her everything?"
"I know," RJ replied. "Me, too. Especially when she was talking about Saffy. But, we have to do this. She's going to remember, Gabe. You just need to be patient."
Gabriel nodded glumly. "In a weird way, I do appreciate what you're doing for her."
"You don't have to worry," RJ reassured him. "I'm not going to take advantage. I would do anything for Alexa. She means a lot to me."
"I know," Gabriel said quickly.
Alexa looked through the glass window on her door at RJ talking to that boy named Gabriel. She wondered why he kept showing up. And why RJ really was holding back from her. She knew him well enough to know when something was wrong and when he wasn't telling her the truth. She was going to find out what was really going on and she was going to find out soon.
She got back into bed and picked up a piece of parchment and her quill.
Dear Saffy:
I guess you must be really busy with preparing for O.W.L.S.
I've asked my parents to get my assignments for me, but they said that Headmaster Dumbledore asked that I not worry about it. That's strange, isn't it? I do have the advantage though of having the smartest girl in the school for my best friend. I imagine that you'll help me catch up when I get back.
I really miss talking with you. RJ's being really sweet and attentive, but something's wrong. I can feel it in how he looks at me. He always looks as if he wants to say something, but he can't bring himself to say it.
Maybe, I'm overreacting. I don't know.
In any case, I really hope I'm out of here soon. Staying in the hospital is so boring! I miss being with you, Beth and Meems.
I hope you find time to write me even if it's to complain about Mary Ellen.
Lexie
She sealed the letter in an envelope and put it aside for her mother to post for her later. Looking out her door again, she sighed with dismay when she saw RJ was still talking with that boy.
Alexa gave them one last look before getting back into bed and closing her eyes. It was going to be a long night.