Twelve

Disclaimer: I still don't own it; if you recognise it, it belongs to JKR. If you don't, it likely belongs to me. Wild theories of there being an entrance to the Inner Earth in the Mammoth Caves continue to abound. No paper wastage was involved, nor were any lives endangered. The electrons in the computer remain rather indignant, though.

"Lucius." Hermione didn't sound herself, her voice far too rough.

"Love, let me Apparate us to Hogwarts, just give me a moment."

For the second time that day, she saw a lion Patronus pass her. "Oh, Lucius..." She felt utterly out of her depth. If any attack had been on her, she could have coped. But her children? Her innocent, beautiful, perfect children? Out of Hogwarts, the safest place for all children? It was inconceivable.

Lucius wrapped his arms around her tightly. "Don't fret, love. We'll have it under control in no time."

Hermione snorted derisively. "Yeah, right. Retrieve their bodies? You only just pointed out how ruthless the Wilsons are, you know?"

"Hermione, stop it! You're distraught! Just give me a few minutes. I've sent word to Severus, and he will, no doubt, help immediately."

His words had barely run out when a doe Patronus thundered through the walls into the living room. "Get your arse outside so I can come in! There's no time to be lost."

Lucius stood up in a hurry and rushed to the front door, Hermione following him closely.

Severus wasted no time. "Hermione! Send your Patronus to Potter to meet you with his Invisibility Cloak at the gates of Hogwarts." Turning to Lucius, he demanded, "Get me a piece of paper and a pencil. The Muggle kind!"

Lucius returned inside to fetch the requested items, and Hermione did as told, although it took her minutes to conjure a Patronus.

"Good. Now, let's Apparate."

She held Lucius's hand and put her other on Severus's arm. That dreaded forbearing of something horrible happening suddenly abated. She let out a sigh of relief.

Harry was already at the gate when the three appeared. He hugged Hermione fiercely. "I'm so sorry, mate! If there is anything I can do for you, just say the word. I have the entire department working on it." Then his jaw dropped when he saw Snape. "Pr-Professor Snape! You're alive..."

Snape inclined his head. "Evidently," he drawled. Then he sneered. "Not a word, Potter. I'm sure Hermione will explain once this mess is sorted out. Invisibility Cloak?"

Harry nodded and handed Snape the cloak, which the elder immediately put on. Now invisible, but with no less authority, he said, "Let's go."

If Harry noticed Hermione holding Lucius's hand, he refrained from commenting, for which she was grateful. She was in no state to explain her private life at this moment. Not until she'd have her children back safely.

Feeling Severus right behind her comforted her. Somehow, she had faith that between them, they'd find Rose and Hugo alive and well.

They walked silently to the front doors, which Harry opened, and then climbed up the large staircase to the headmistress's office. "I will leave as soon as I find what I need," Snape whispered into Hermione's ear. Then he addressed Harry. "Remember, Potter. Not a word about me."

The door was already open, and the group silently climbed up the spiral staircase.

Headmistress McGonagall stood up to greet the newcomers. "Harry, Lucius." Then she hugged Hermione. "Hermione! I'm so sorry we meet under such dire circumstances. I wish it were for a happier occasion!"

"Thank you, Professor," Hermione said quietly and sat down next to Lucius, feeling Snape's comforting presence right behind her. Only now did she realise they weren't alone. On the other side of the desk sat Ron and Edwina. He stood up awkwardly and walked towards Hermione.

"I'm so sorry, Hermione."

She disregarded his outstretched hand.

"Any news yet?" Hermione asked, her voice cold. How dare he turn up with that... that bitch! Hermione had no doubt Edwina was involved in the kidnapping if not the mastermind behind it.

Ron shook his head. Glancing at Harry, he said, "Nothing at all. The entire Aurory is on the case, and hopefully, they'll find them before long."

Lucius gazed at Edwina, intently enough to make her squirm. "You look familiar. I'm sure I've seen you before," he said casually.

Edwina schooled her face into a very thin-lipped smile. "I do not recall meeting you before, Mr Malfoy."

Hermione was surprised to see Lucius's almost feral grin as he replied, "Maybe I'm mistaken, Mrs Wilson." He made a show of smoothing his hair with his right hand and put his left arm around Hermione's shoulder.

Hermione gazed at Edwina and couldn't help but wonder if the witch had Confunded Ron. Or maybe she'd slipped him a love potion. She was slim to the point of bony. Her clothes were expensive, but lacked style. Her dirty-blonde hair looked flat, in evident need of some styling, and her face was pinched.

Ron, having returned to his seat, frowned. "What's he doing here, anyway?"

"Lucius came with me because I was distressed, Ronald. Is that a problem?" Hermione managed to refrain from making a remark about Edwina's presence and instead opted to simply regard her with disdain.

"N-no. I was just wondering," Ron said lamely.

The door suddenly opened, seemingly out of its own accord, and then slammed shut. While everyone looked up and around in confusion, Lucius nudged Hermione and held the palm of his hand out to her. In it was a small piece of paper.

She's responsible. Going now to retrieve youngsters. Will send Patronus when done.

A tremendously heavy stone dropped from Hermione's heart. She looked at Lucius, who smiled. She smiled back, relieved. Everything would work out.

Their interaction had not gone unnoticed.

"Oh, such lovey-dovey behaviour," Edwina remarked, her tone laced with saccharine, her hand...surprisingly wrinkled for her age, Hermione noticed...finding its way to rest on Ron's leg.

"And why not, Mrs Wilson? Is there something wrong with that?" Lucius enquired mildly.

"No, no, go on, don't mind me."

"I don't."

Edwina rolled her eyes at him and turned to Ron. "Honey, do we need to stay here? Or could we leave and await news from home?" Her American accent was the kind Hermione hated.

Ron's face turned red, spectacularly clashing with his hair. "I suppose we could leave," he mumbled, not looking at anyone.

"Then let's go." Edwina stood.

Lucius quirked his eyebrow. "Really, Mrs Wilson. I see what you mean about retard shagging buddy."

Edwina's eyes widened to the size of saucers. Then her face turned red. Abruptly, she turned to Ron. "Let's go. NOW!" She dragged Ron by the hand and hurried out.

Lucius grinned.

Hermione grinned.

Harry embarrassedly shuffled his feet.

The headmistress looked lost.

Eventually, McGonagall asked, "What on earth was all this about?"

"Mrs Wilson took it upon herself to investigate Hermione's office on Sunday. Good thing we had the insight to expect such an occasion and have now evidence. The moment I receive confirmation that she did it without clearance, she'll be dead meat." Lucius sounded positively satisfied.

The headmistress looked at him with large eyes. "How dare she!" she exclaimed. Then, in a quieter tone, she added, "No wonder I disliked her instantly."

Harry shook his head. "I don't like her either. I have no idea what Ron sees in her. And I'm sure there's something fishy going on. Ron's become really different lately. Sometimes, I don't even like him."

"You should investigate that hunch, Potter," Lucius said. "We can do some things to thwart those forces, but personally, I have no interest in the fate of Mr Weasley and rather spend my time to actively stop those idiots from taking over."

Harry looked at him. "I understand. And you're right, I should. I put a tracking charm on him a few weeks ago, but it took less than a day for it to be taken off, presumably by her." The last word was sneered.

A doe Patronus floated through the wall and stopped in front of Lucius and Hermione. "All is well," it said quietly before it dissolved.

The headmistress stared. "If I didn't know he's dead, I could've sworn that was Severus's Patronus," she whispered, visibly shaken.

Lucius made a show of standing up and stretched his hand out to Hermione. "It's time to leave. Come, let's make sure Rose and Hugo are okay." Turning to Harry, he said, "Would you like to join us, Potter? I believe you have something to retrieve."

Harry nodded silently and stood up.

"I suspect asking you to tell me what's happening exactly is asking too much," McGonagall said tartly, staring intently at Lucius and Hermione.

Hermione smiled at her. "I will tell you as soon as this is over. Right now, I want to make sure my children are safe and sound."

"Yes, Hermione. I understand completely. Do come by when you bring them back. Take your time. Both are bright enough to catch up a week or two of missing classes." Minerva smiled benignly at her once-favourite student.

Lucius, Hermione, and Harry exited the castle and walked back to the gates with much lighter hearts. "Hermione," Harry said, "can you tell me what the hell happened in there?" He pointed back to the castle.

Before Hermione was ready to answer, Lucius started, "Severus cast Legilimens on Edwina, and as soon as he found out where the children were, he left. That's how the door opened seemingly by itself. When he was done with the rescue mission, he sent his Patronus to inform us. And before you wonder, Potter, I don't know any other details. We shall find out shortly."

They had reached the gates now. "Where are we going now?" Harry asked.

"Back to Phoenix. Hold on to me, Harry," Hermione said, and the three Apparated to the front of Taliesin West.

"Mummy!" two little voices cried out, and one young teenage girl and a younger boy flew into Hermione's arms. She hugged them fiercely. "Oh, thank Merlin, you're all right!" Tears streamed down her face as she hugged each one, then held them at arm's length to reassure herself they weren't hurt, only to hug them again.

"We're fine, Mum, honestly," Rose said exasperatedly when she had her fill of cuddles.

"Yeah, we are, Mum," echoed her younger brother. "And, oh, Mum, Severus is soooo cool! He told us he'd show us a dragon, a real dragon, in the Himalaya Mountains!"

Hermione frowned and sought Severus's eyes as Lucius sighed dramatically. "I see American speak has infiltrated Hogwarts, how sad." Then he motioned towards the house and said, "Why don't we go inside? It's more comfortable, and we can have drinks."

"Severus?" Hermione asked as she followed Lucius, holding hands with her children.

Severus waited until they were inside the building and the door was closed before he spoke. "I think it might be a good idea to hide Rose and Hugo, and maybe yourself, too, from the claws of the Wilsons, Hermione," he said quietly. "What I saw in Edwina's mind is no better than what the Dark Lord might have planned for someone he didn't like. But let's discuss this later. Why don't we let your children tell of their adventure and have them settled in for the night... and then I think you owe Potter here an explanation, too."

Hermione busied herself with providing drinks for everyone in the kitchen while her children watched with wide eyes the magic of convenience cast about the kitchen. A wine bottle popped open, glasses appeared out of nowhere on the table, and pumpkin juice conjured itself in front of Hugo the moment he said, "Pumpkin juice."

Rose watched with fascination as Lucius simply told what kind of food he wanted, and it popped out of the fridge, prepared itself and flew into the hot oil in the cast iron pan on the Aga. "Stir-fry," Lucius mumbled. "Not brilliant, but it doesn't take long to make."

Severus rolled his eyes at his friend. "Here, let me finish it. I'm better with spices."

Lucius did not argue and sat down opposite Hermione at the kitchen table. He lifted his glass, looked at Rose, Harry, Hugo, and locked eyes with Hermione. "To freedom." Then, he savoured the dark, red liquid.

Severus sat down at the end of the table. "Dinner is ready. Lucius, you'll have to do the honours."

"Oh, we need do nothing. Watch." A cupboard flew open and plates floated towards the table, each plate setting down in front of a person. Then, the cast iron pan floated from the Aga to the centre of the table, and a serving spoon added itself on top of it. "And now, simply help yourselves."

Hermione had not realised how hungry she was. The simple stir-fry tasted heavenly, and everyone dug in as if utterly starved, which was rather likely, she thought, considering it was near midnight in Arizona, and a good seven hours later for her children and Harry.

When the eating slowed down, Lucius said, "So, Rose, Hugo, want to tell us what happened? All we know is that you received owls and the parchments were Portkeys. Illegal ones, obviously."

Rose and Hugo exchanged glances, and Hugo said, "You go."

Rose nodded and started, "It was just before dinner time. We were in the common room, together with lots of others, like normal, when two owls turned up. They looked like school owls. Nita, my friend, opened the window to let them in, and one flew to me and the other to Hugo, who was sitting with his mates at the other end of the room, away from the fireplace. I thought that was weird because when Mum or Dad send us mail, they always send two letters with one owl, not separate ones." She glanced at her mother.

"Yeah, so I untied the parchment, and before I could even feed the owl a treat, I was in that danky dungeon. It was horrible." She wrinkled her nose.

Hugo nodded. "It was. It stank, and the floor was wet, and it was all dark, not enough light to see anything."

"The basement of St Paul's Cathedral," Severus furnished quietly.

Heads turned. "St. Paul's Cathedral? The Royals use that a lot for their ceremonies," Hermione said.

"Yes, well, considering who instigated the kidnapping, I'm not surprised," Severus said dryly. Then he looked at Rose and said, "Continue, Miss Weasley." He grinned wryly and added, "Rose. Old habits die hard..."

Rose beamed at him and did as he'd asked. "Before I even realised what happened, Hugo was there, right next to me. We looked around, and at first, there was nobody there. Then a door opened from somewhere behind us. I'm sure it was a door because suddenly, some light fell in, and when the door closed, it was dark again.

"And then, suddenly, someone switched on a strong searchlight, you know the ones Muggles use in movies. I couldn't see much, but I know there were two guys, one of them had blond hair, short, and looked like an evil Muggle butcher." She looked at her brother for confirmation.

Hugo nodded eagerly. "Oh, yeah. He looked yucky. Like the kind you want to run away from." He shuddered.

"The butcher type spoke to us, the other one was quiet all the time. The butcher sounded like a Londoner, almost Cockney. And he was so horrible. Told us someone would come to kill us in the morning." Rose shuddered. "Then he laughed when Hugo started crying."

Hugo glared at her. "Like you didn't cry."

"Oh, I did, too, but you started first, and I only cried when he told you how Mum is going to follow us soon, and Dad would be spared as long as he provided entertainment." Rose sounded very much matter-of-factly.

Silence suddenly hung heavily in the kitchen upon Rose's words. Severus nodded slowly. "No surprise there." Turning to Lucius, he said, "You know, I think we should copy a few files from Hermione's office computer. I don't think it's safe for her to return just yet."

In her few recent encounters with Severus, Hermione had never witnessed Lucius doubting anything he'd said. But it was as if his authority had risen to new heights. Lucius immediately stood up. "Let's go now, then. Before anyone has the idea to start work early."

"Splendid idea." Severus rose as well. "Ladies, gentlemen, we shall be back shortly." He inclined his head, and the two wizards left.

Hermione looked at her children, Hugo on her left and Rose on her right. They looked more tired than she felt. "Rose, love, Hugo, love, how about going to bed?" she asked softly. "Nothing is going to run away. We'll all be here in the morning, and we'll talk some more. Okay?"

The children nodded tiredly. "Mummy, I don't want to sleep alone," Hugo admitted.

"It's okay, Hugo, you don't have to," Hermione assured him. "You both can sleep in... my bedroom. The bed is bigger than any you've ever seen, and you'll both have plenty of space." She pulled Hugo closer and wrapped her arm around Rose. "Come, I'll show you." Turning to Harry, who sat all forgotten at the table, she mouthed, "Back in a minute."

"Oh. Wow! That is one huge-arse bed," Hugo remarked, proving at least linguistically whose son he was. Hermione let it slide. He was young, he was tired, he'd been through hell, and such language could be forgiven.

"Now, quickly, choose your sides. Tomorrow is another day for talking," Hermione said and ushered her cherished offspring into bed. Neither of them had hit the pillow by the time they'd fallen asleep. She smiled and quietly walked out.

A/N: For details of the prompt, please see chapter 1.

Grateful thanks go to southernwitch69 for making this more readable. For correct writing, thank her. For mistakes, blame me.

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