Lascivus Wanton

Chapter 17: Escape from Hogwarts

"So that’s it. That's more then anyone knows, even Ron and Hermione. So what are you going to do now?" His look was challenging and Kasey realised that he expected to be let down. Why not? Everyone else had let him down lately.

"I'm not sure..." Harry nodded and got up to leave. "Wait Harry, I'm on your side. I don't believe this is right and I'm going to help you. But first I have to figure out how. And I will ask you to please trust me. While I don't agree with Dumbledore's plan to keep you here, he is right about one thing; it is extremely dangerous for you out there. Please don't move alone, talk to me about your plans first." Harry nodded noncommittally and left.

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"Harry I don't think this is right…"

"The teachers are in a meeting, it's the perfect opportunity."

"But Tonks…"

"She chose her side."

"What about Professor Lewwellyn? He said he's help, why don't we wait for him? Ron?" Hermione pleaded.

"I agree with Harry, Tonks chose to help guard Harry, and we don't know Lewwellyn, how do we know if he's to be trusted?"

"But it's dangerous, Voldemort is getting stronger and he's waiting for a time when you're not protected. If he catches you…"

"We're going Hermione." Harry stood as he finished packing his few possessions, "You can come or stay."

"Oh Harry, of course I'm coming." She followed him to common room, wand ready.

"Petrificus Totalis" The three spells hit Tonks simultaneously, and she fell without a sound, a shocked look on her face.

"Sorry," Hermione whispered as they left.

The three friends were shocked to see a huge figure standing by the gates as they neared them.
"Hagrid. Have you turned against us too?"

The big man hesitated. "Now don't you be talking like that… Dumbledore is a great man. He only wants to do what's right you know 'Arry."

"By keeping us prisoners?" Hermione nearly shouted.

"Look, I was left here to mind the gates… but I wont stop you if you want to leave. Most of us don't agree with keeping you against your will 'Arry. Anyway… be careful wont you? I'll never forgive myself if anythin' were to happen to you three."

"Yes Hagrid." The three said together.

"Oh and 'Arry… I once heard Dumbledore mention that Snape spent his childhood in a small hut west of London. I don't know if he would have gone there… but it's a start."

"Thanks." Harry hugged the big man, feeling Hermione and Ron join in.

And then they were out the gate and running towards Hogsmeade.

"Hermione are you sure…"

"For the last time yes Harry. Rosmerta is a friend of mine, she will understand the situation."

Then they were at the Three Broomsticks. Inside was lit with candles, none of them had ever seen the pub after dark and Harry was surprised at the change in the atmosphere of the place. Of a day it was a brightly lit homey kind of place, warmed by the old fashioned iron fireplace, and dominated by the huge bar of wood inlaid with bronze and polished till it shone. It was frequented by well dressed wizards and witches, talking quietly in small groups and there more for the companionship and good meals then the drink. Of a night it was busy and the room seemed smaller somehow, the corners taken up by flickering shadows. The crowd was rowdier and a great deal of firewhisky was circulating around. Suddenly the familiar figure of Rosmerta passed, carrying a huge tray heavily laden with glasses, both full and empty, which she balanced precariously on one hand as she weaved her way through the crowd.

Her eyes widened as she caught sight of them, but she hesitated for only a second, looking around to make sure no-one was paying them too much attention before leaning to whisper to Hermione; "upstairs, second door on the left, I will be there when I can." She then turned and continued on her way to the bar, handing out drinks as she went.

The room upstairs was small, a double bed and a desk, but it was warmed by a large fireplace and little of the noise from downstairs filtered up. The three friends settled down to wait.

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Harry was wakened by a soft knock on the door.

"It's me."

He opened the door and Rosmerta stepped in.

"Sorry it took so long… it's been a busy night. We only just now kicked out the last customer. Oh and Minerva was here."

"What!"

"Shh… she wanted to search the place but I told her it was private premises and she'd just have to take my word for it that we hadn't seen you."

Ron laughed; "bet she took that well."

"An angry looking cat has been sitting by the front door ever since." Rosmerta smiled at Ron, who blushed bright red.

"I have floo powder. So where are you headed?"

Hermione and Ron stared at Harry expectantly. "Err… well, I hadn't actually thought beyond getting out of the castle."

Hermione and Rosmerta looked at each other, rolling their eyes, and Harry thought he heard Hermione sighing something that sounded like "boys" under her breath.

"Ok! Ok! Hagrid said something about 'west of London'"

"Well that's kind of vague… you could go to London of course but the city has many eyes, not all of them friendly. There is Number 12 Grimmauld Place, that is in the west of London… but under the circumstances that may not be the best idea. I have a sister who lives south of London, that may be a good start. However once you get 'west of London' how do you intend to go about finding Severus?"

Harry looked down at the floor, the immensity of the task suddenly hitting him. "I don't know. But I have to try. Because of me he is in danger"

Rosmerta looked sympathetic, "but is looking for him going to help? It may even put him in more danger."

"What can I do?"

She stared at him a moment, seeming deep in thought; “well… there is something else, but I’m not sure it would work…”

All three students stared at her expectantly.

“Did you ever wonder why nobody likes to mention his name? “He Who Must Not Be Named” I mean?”

“Well yeah, cause everyone’s scared aren’t they?” Ron stared at Rosmerta like she’d gone batty.

“That’s part of it, but also powerful wizards like Voldemort have a way of hearing when people say their name. And if they have the skill they can listen to what those people are saying.”

“Of course!” Hermione was nodding knowledgably, “I read about that in “A History of Dark Magic and Its Uses.””

“Of course you did.” Mumbled Ron.

“Ok… but hows that supposed to help us?”

“Harry, Snape is a powerful wizard,” she watched exasperated as he struggled to catch her point. “If you talk about him he might hear he, and if he knows you are looking for him…”

“Oh!” Light dawned suddenly.

“But of course that depends on whether he is listening…” Rosmerta continued as if she had never been interrupted “and on whether he wants to be found.”