Thirteen

Disclaimer: Ownership hasn't changed; 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 Tibet do exist. Paper wastage was not involved, and lives were not put at risk either. The electrons in the computer continue with their indignation.

The night turned out to be as long as the day had been. Once the children had fallen asleep, Hermione took time filling Harry in on her and Lucius's findings as well as details of Severus's survival.

"Wow," Harry said. "That is just unbelievable." He shook his head.

Hermione sighed. "Do you remember the funeral? We cried our eyes out, and I was angry at Ron for not showing any emotions."

Harry nodded. "Yeah. Gods, that was sad. I'd just realised he really, really had been on our side all the way, and then he fucking died. I'm so glad he didn't!"

"As am I," Hermione said softly.

Harry looked at her. "Um, Hermione, I mean, Draco kind of mentioned in passing that you and Lucius are a deal, but where does Snape come in?"

Hermione snorted. "Good question. Did Draco mention that Lucius has kept in contact with Severus all those years?" She looked at him curiously. No, didn't think so. "They're best friends, they share a bed whenever the opportunity arises, that's where Severus comes in."

Harry's eyes widened. "Bi? Both of them?"

"Oh, absolutely. Well, I don't know about Severus. He might be gay for all I know. But they're amazing together."

"Erm, I really don't want to know, Hermione."

Hermione slapped his arm. "No, you dolt, I'm not talking about sex! They're amazing in that they finish each other's thoughts and work together like a dream team. What one doesn't pick up, the other does. How do you think Rose and Hugo ended up here safely? That's purely because Lucius and Severus understand each other with very few words, you know?"

Harry nodded slowly. "I think I understand. Draco... The better Ginny and I get to know him, the more we like him..." He looked up suddenly. "Damn! Shouldn't we tell Ron that Rose and Hugo are safe?"

Hermione shook her head slowly. "No, not right now, Harry. Severus hasn't told us all he found out, and I'd rather have my children somewhere absolutely safe before I let Ron know they're with me. It wouldn't do for him to tell her just so she can come after them again."

"You think it's Edwina?"

"That's what Severus mentioned. And I'd rather wait until I hear the full story before I let Ron know, especially considering that even you think Ron's turned weird."

"Yeah, he isn't himself these days. He was behaving really weird at Hogwarts, too." Harry frowned. "I mean, he seems to be her poodle. She speaks, he obeys."

Hermione could not suppress a grin. "Yeah. He was a bit, wasn't he?" Then she turned serious again. "It's a shame. She has absolutely no respect for him."

"That's what I figured," Harry agreed.

The door opened and Lucius's and Severus's voices drifted to the kitchen. Harry stood up. "I guess I should make a move and head back."

"Oh, good, you're still here, Potter." Lucius walked into the kitchen, closely followed by Severus. "Draco informed me that Mrs Wilson headed to the City about an hour ago. No surprise there, of course. She probably went to punish the thugs who held Rose and Hugo captive. No need to worry about that; Severus Obliviated the two who were guarding the children."

Harry nodded. "I'm glad Draco put that tracking charm on her."

Lucius continued. "And, oh, if you could possibly spare your Invisibility Cloak for a few hours tomorrow, Draco would appreciate it. He's planning to follow her ladyship, but could do it so much easier with your Cloak."

Harry nodded. "No problem."

Severus pointed to the kitchen table. "Sit down, Potter. You might as well hear my findings."

His expression resigned, Harry sat back down again. Lucius Accioed a new bottle of wine and sat down next to Hermione.

"Edwina is not going to stop. Her plan is to get rid of the children first, then their mother, and eventually Mr Weasley, from what I saw in her mind and the children confirmed. She might live apart from her husband, but there is a very good reason they have not divorced: they work together. They are both in favour of taking over every society on this planet and getting them under their control, using them as robots, as slaves, just as they're doing with Muggles already. Not that it comes as a surprise. We've known about the Wilsons for a long time, and they always marry into the same families. Edwina's ancestors are Wilsons as well as Camerons and Dulleses. The same names you come across when you look at the genealogy of any big fish."

"Fuck," Hermione said. "What are we going to do?" She looked at Lucius, then at Severus.

Severus looked smug. "We're going on holiday." With a more serious expression, he continued. "You are safe in this house, but the moment you step outside, you won't be. I don't know how long Lucius has before he'll be hunted, considering his treatment of Mrs Wilson and her volatile nature. She might just send a Manchurian candidate after him. Or pay a hit man." He shrugged. "That's how the likes of her work."

Hermione snickered and turned to Lucius. "You weren't very nice to her, were you..." Then she turned to Severus. "And where are we going? I bet they can find us pretty much anywhere, don't you think?"

Severus grinned. "Well, Edwina did plan to cast a tracking charm on you, but I doubt she had a chance, given her abrupt departure. But even if she had, she'd not be successful tracking you if you follow my suggestion." He pulled a small electronic gadget out of his robe. "Here. This contains pretty much everything from your computer and a lot of data from Mr Wilson's computer for your perusal. The contents of your computer now look...ah...somewhat innocent."

Hermione took the flash drive from him and gazed at him. "Innocent? What do you mean?" She had a hunch she might not like his answer.

He appeared the slightest bit uncomfortable. "Well, you see... your emails will show mainly conversations about religion with alleged friends and some interaction with members of the Vatican about converting to Catholicism, and the only files on your computer, aside from the obviously work-related ones, which, by the way, will disappear once they're opened and closed again, are related to philosophical ponderings of religion."

Harry and Hermione gaped at him. "Brilliant," Harry whispered. "They'll either think you've gone round the bend or they'll think they've been had. Just brilliant."

"Yes. And they can't quite be sure which one. Well," Severus continued, addressing Hermione, "in any case, your tracks...that is obvious tracks...will lead towards the general direction of Italy and dissolve somewhere between Iceland and Ireland. That'll be easy enough...it's all water." He grinned. "And... I won't say more right now because I believe it might be a good idea if Mr Potter here does not know all the details. Let me just say... we'll disappear off the face of the earth for a while. Literally." Now he looked like a cat that had just had a bowl of cream.

Harry finished the last of his wine and stood up again. "I really have to go. Ginny must be wondering where I am." Turning to Lucius, he said, "I'll make contact with Draco as soon as it's safe. There are a couple of people in my department I don't trust, so it might take me a couple of hours to disappear without either of them following, but I'll meet with him today."

Then, Harry turned to Severus. "Professor Snape, I don't know how I can express how relieved, how happy I am that you're alive." He looked down as Severus's eyes seemed to pierce him.

"Thank you, Potter. I'm sure we'll meet again. In the meantime, I'd appreciate if you can keep your discovery of my being alive absolutely quiet."

Harry looked horrified. "I can't keep it from Ginny."

"No. That, I understand. Tell her, by all means. Just make sure she does not pass on the knowledge."

Harry nodded, then turned to Hermione, who'd stood up. She walked him to the front door. "Thank you for coming, Harry. And I'm sorry I've been so short in my owls to you," she said and hugged him.

"I understand. Just, you know, don't do it again." He grinned sheepishly. "I miss you, mate."

"I miss you, too," she whispered. "But I'm in good hands here, honestly."

Harry nodded seriously. "Somehow, I can believe that. As long as you're happy, I am, too." One last hug and Harry was gone.

Hermione slowly walked back to the kitchen, suddenly overcome with exhaustion. The nearest chair suddenly seemed miles away, and she was grateful when Severus, who was nearest to her, rose and picked her up with ease. "I think it's bedtime for you, young lady," he said, very much matter-of-factly.

"I don't know where to sleep. I put the children in our bed," Hermione mumbled. She missed his glance at Lucius, she missed Lucius leading the way to a spare bedroom, and she missed having her shoes and robes taken off. Furthermore, she missed an entire episode of having four hands on her back, neck, legs, shoulders, and arms, gently massaging Gadabout's Amazing Youth's Reviving Massage Potion into her.

All she remembered the following morning...afternoon?...was how cherished she'd felt to be carried to bed.

Hermione woke up feeling refreshed, more alive than in years. Which in itself was no small feat, as she frequently woke up next to Lucius feeling very much alive. As memories drifted back into her awareness, she jumped out of bed...she was very obviously in Taliesin West; the interior allowed no doubt..., slipped into her bathrobe that was placed on the navy-blue, fabric-covered chair next to the bed, and made her way to the kitchen.

"Mummy, Mummy, we're going to the mountains today!"

She sat down on a chair at the table and mumbled, "Coffee. Seriously strong coffee." Then she turned to her children. "Oh? Are we?"

"Yes! Severus said so! And Lucius agreed it's a good idea! You can't say no! Please, Mummy!" her son pleaded.

Hermione gratefully sipped the coffee from her mug while taking in her children's pleas.

"Oh, Mum, please! It sounds so wonderful!" Rose chimed in. Then she looked pleadingly at Severus. "You promised..."

Severus sighed exasperatedly. "Don't make puppy eyes at me, young Rose. Your mother will tell you they've never worked on me. In fact, I believe you are the first one to do so." Turning to Hermione, he said, "There are several entrances to the inner earth scattered around the world. Now, I doubt Edwina and whomever she works with know I'm alive. However, if her side works hand in hand with Muggle forces, they'll know there's something strange going on at McMurdo Base in Antarctica, seeing as I have liberally... utilised their facilities for many years. Furthermore, they are aware of there being a population down below and entrances at the Poles. So, just to be on the safe side, we'll avoid the entrance at the South Pole."

Lucius entered the kitchen and sat down next to Hermione, giving her a peck on her cheek, which the children, avidly following Severus's words, were too busy to notice.

Severus looked at Lucius. "You already know the plan. I'm just telling Hermione and her children." Then he turned his attention back to Hermione, with occasional glances at Rose and Hugo, while laying out their intended route.

When he'd finished, Hermione looked doubtful. "That's one hell of a trip," she said. "And I'd better Transfigure some clothes to keep us warm. Phoenix doesn't get cold in winter, and I've not had any need to buy any warm clothes." She rose while gulping down the last of her coffee.

"You need some new clothes for Rose and Hugo, as they only have what they're wearing. This is not just a day trip," Lucius offered.

Before Hermione could reply, Severus said, "You cannot go out around here now. I'll go to a Muggle store and obtain some clothes we can Transfigure. We don't need much for the trip. Just enough to get us there. I suggest you all get ready while I go shopping." He placed his now empty cup on the table and stood up.

It was evening when the party was finally ready to leave, having received more detailed instructions from Severus and, in the case of Rose, surprisingly patient answers to the many questions she'd had. Three wizards and two witches, two of them excited for the sake of potentially embarking upon the adventure of their lives, the other three relieved at the prospect of safety for themselves in general and for Hermione in particular, prepared to leave life as they knew it behind.

They stood loosely in a circle in front of the house. "Let me put tracking charms on each of you, just in case." Severus cast the charms, interactive between all members of the group, just to be on the safe side. "Good. Now, Lucius will Apparate us to the coast of Northern California. From there, I'll take over. In a few minutes, we'll have travelled a few thousand miles. So," he looked at Rose and Hugo now, "make sure you choose a spot you're comfortable in."

Hugo, who was standing next to his mother, fidgeted. "I want to be next to you, too," he said shyly.

Severus nodded briefly and moved to be next to Hugo, who stood next to his mother.

Rose huffed. "I'm adult enough to do this without Mum's help!" She moved from her mother's side to the spot between Severus and Lucius.

Lucius grinned and took Hermione's other hand. "Okay. Let's go."

They arrived to a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean on a deserted beach in Northern California. After spending a few minutes admiring this splendid display of nature's beauty, Severus said, "It's time to move on."

Again, they took each other's hands, and the next stop was a tropical beach. Humid heat hit everyone as they set foot on the sand. The sun was low in the sky, but the beach was not yet deserted.

"Oh, please, let's not spend any time here," Hermione begged.

"Hawaii. No, I think not. Get ready." Severus glanced to ensure they all touched held other's hands and Disapparated.

Another beach, as much humidity, as much heat, despite the sun obviously having set a while ago, this time somewhere in Asia, Hermione figured.

"Philippines," Severus stated for the benefit of Rose and Hugo. Again, only a short stop.

Then, the top of a hill. A cool breeze welcomed the five, caressing skin, waving strands of hair in a welcoming fashion. A new day was dawning, offering mere glimpses of outlines of hills and mountains scattered with trees, stark against the still almost-dark sky. "Please, can we stop and breathe for a minute?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, we should. It is fairly deserted here in this part of China. The next stop will be at considerably higher altitude, so let's rest for a bit here."

They all sat down on the patch of grass they'd Apparated onto and sighed contentedly when Severus produced a tray of fruit and offered it around. Even Rose and Hugo stopped their chatter as a fiery ball rose over a mountain in the distance against an intensely blue sky. But all too soon, it was time to move on yet again. Now dressed in warm clothing and covered in cloaks, the witches and wizards Disapparated once more.

The next stop was on hard ground covered lightly with snow. "Breathe deeply now while you can. Air will be thin for the next couple of stops," Severus advised.

Air was thin indeed. Hermione gasped for it, but found it almost insufficient.

Lucius squeezed her shoulder. "Lean on me."

She did and found comfort.The world righted itself again. Hermione watched her children hanging onto Severus's lips. His voice and mannerism had lost none of their mesmerising character she remembered from her days at school.

"Now we are in the Himalaya Mountains proper. The higher up we go, the thinner the air becomes. And," with a sideways glance at Hermione, "some feel it more than others. Right now, we should be approximately 18,000 feet above sea level, and the next stop, our last one so close to the skies, will be Tibet. From there, we will descend again to enter territory mostly unknown to humankind."

Severus's hand dived into his cloak pocket, and he pulled out a vial. "Here, take this. I have nothing specific for altitude sickness, but this strengthening draught will take the edge off your discomfort," he said quietly as he offered her the vial.

Hermione gulped it down gratefully. "Thanks." Feeling slightly better, she nodded. "I'm ready." She took Hugo's hand and lightly pressed Lucius's, who'd never let go of hers.

They landed in foot-deep snow on the edge of what looked like an ancient village nestled against stark mountains on a plateau. The sun shone brightly, but with no strength...the cold hit them head-on, and everyone hurriedly pulled their cloak hoods over heads and ears.

The wind added to the discomfort everyone was feeling now...except Severus, who looked as calm, as unconcerned, as he had on the beach in California.

Hermione looked around. There were no trees for shelter, only some small bushes, bare of leaves.

"Come. We'll find shelter, and then I will go and find someone to lead the way." He started walking towards the village.

Hermione felt panic well up inside. "You don't know the way from here?" Her voice sounded shrill, even to herself. She bit her lip and stared at the ground, embarrassed that her children held up so much better than their mother.

A strong arm wrapped around her shoulder. "It's not long now, love," Lucius soothed. "We've managed the worst and haven't been stopped by anyone. The rest will be easier."

"I know..." Hermione sighed. What the hell is wrong with me? I'm behaving worse than the wimps I so despise...

Severus led them into a barn. "Not exactly luxurious, but it's better than staying out in the cold." He looked at Hermione. "Nobody would blame you for losing it, you know. You've lost, then regained your children, you've travelled thousands of miles in less than twenty-four hours, and you've had to flee from forces you know would kill you if they caught you, Hermione. Hang in there for a couple of hours longer, and you can relax without worries about the safety of your family or yourself." He held her gaze for another moment before turning to the children. "I'll go and find a contact to lead us to the entrance. Look after your mother until I'm back, all right?"

Rose and Hugo met his eyes and nodded in unison.

Severus turned to Lucius. "If one of the small folk shows up, you know what to do." Without waiting for Lucius's answer, he turned and hurried back outside.

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

Grateful thanks to HogwartsClassof91 and kittylefish for a super-speedy beta while southernwitch69 was fighting hurricane Gustav.