Finding Wendell and Monica....

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Monday

Ron and Hermione rose early the following morning and ate a hearty breakfast before Hermione departed to go and purchase a mobile phone. Ron laid out the parchment notes and cast a Replenishing Charm on the pot of ink before dipping his quill in it and dialling the first number.

‘Good morning Avalon Dental Services may I help you?’ a cheerful voice answered.

‘Oh Hi I’m trying to track down two people and I was wondering if you have any dentists there going by the name of Wilkins first name Wendell and Monica’ Ron said.

‘No I’m sorry luvvie we don’t’ the receptionist ‘but we can book you in for an appointment if you like’

‘Nah sorry I’ll be right’ Ron said ‘I’m not actually looking for some dental work. See I’m an executor of a will and they are listed as beneficiaries. It’s most important I track them down’

‘I wish I could help you love but they don’t practice here’ the receptionist said ‘I wish you well in your search though’

‘Thanks very much’ Ron said ‘see you later’

‘Bye’

‘Shit!’ Ron cussed crossing off Avalon Dental Services from the list.

Allthough he had not expected to find Mrs and Mrs Granger on the first day of searching it was still disheartening to get a no. Nevertheless he picked up the phone again and dialled the second number on the list.

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Tuesday....

Tuesday was no different than Wednnsday from the stroke of Nine AM Ron and Hermione began ringing around each dental practice on their lists but with every practice they called they got a no and by mid afternoon when they were three quarters of a way through their lists Hermione was on the verge of tears.

‘Okay we’re taking a break’ Ron said firmly prising the mobile phone from her hands ‘we’re apparating to Cauldron Court and having a strong coffee and something sugary. You’re not doing yourself any good’

‘But Ron we’re only three quarters of the way through our list!’ Hermione wailed ‘there’a another twenty practices to ring! I can’t go now!’

‘Yes you can we’ll only be an hour’ Ron said ‘if we get back by four we’ll have a whole hour til the close of business to ring the final twenty’ Ron said ‘that’s ten each we’ll get that done in half an hour probably less’

Hermione glared at Ron then seemed to deflate in front of his eyes.
‘Oh okay’ she said in a defeated tone getting to her feet ‘I have to admit I would like a shot or two of coffee’

‘There you go then’ Ron said ‘let’s go’

‘Hang on I better leave the sliding door to the balcony open so the Owl delivering our Daily Prophet can get in’ Hermione said ‘it’s due about now and if we’re not here it’ll have it leave it on the balcony and it could blow off’

Hermione left the balcony door open then put her shoes back on and summoned her purse. She grasped Ron’s hand then they disapparated to Cauldron Court.

‘Don’t be too disheartened H it’s only the first day’ Ron said giving Hermione an one armed hug as they got their bearings ‘it’s only the middle of the week’

‘Yeah I know’ Hermione said as they set off up Cauldron Court ‘I didn’t really expect to find Mum and Dad on the first day or even the second. For all we know they could be in a totally different state. I only decided to start in Melbourne because in addition to modifying their memories I confunded them to want to move here. If the Confundus Charm wore off and they changed their mind they could be anywhere in Australia’

‘Is there a governing body of dentists?’ Ron asked as they arived at Piping Hot the café they had dined at the previous day ‘I know back home all Healers are members of the Britain and Ireland Healers Assosiation maybe there’s a muggle equivalent of dentists’

‘I don’t know’ Hermione said ‘there could be I’ll have look on Friday if ringing the numbers we wrote down does squat’

‘Go take a seat and I’ll order’ Ron said as they approached the counter ‘what do you want?’

‘Something fattening and chocolatey’ Hermione said with a grin ‘a great stonking slice of it’

‘A great stonking slice of chocolate coming right up’

Hermione went further into the café and found a small booth at the back. Ron pulled a fifty dollar note out of his pocket and approached the register.

‘Ah hello Mate you’re back again!’ George the manager of the café said.

‘Yeah we’ll be regulars over the next couple of weeks at least’ Ron said ‘got a bit of work to do concerning the girlfriends family’

‘Well I hope it goes well for you’ George said ‘what can I get you?’

‘Ah Hermione’ll have a huge slice of that mudcake there’ Ron said pointing to an elegantly decorated chocolate mudcake in the display case ‘I’ll have a normal slice of that strawberry cheesecake and we’ll both have a tall latte’

‘Rightio that’ll beeee hang on...’ George said tapping away at the register ‘sixteen bucks even’

Ron pushed the fifty dollar note across the counter.

‘Actually pal can I get two slices of the mudcake to take back to the hotel?’ Ron added ‘I’ll come get them as we leave’

‘No worries!’

George gave Ron his change then Ron made his way through the busy café to where Hermione had sat.

‘I’ve bought an extra slice of cake to take back to the hotel’ Ron said ‘one for each of us’

‘Oh lovely thanks’ Hermione said greatfully ‘did you get some of that cheesecake to eat now?’

‘Yup I love the stuff’ Ron said ‘it’s almost as good as Mum’s’

‘Hmm.... ‘I reckon tomorrow we should divide the day in two’ Hermione said ‘I think we should spend nine to two at the library writing down another list then the rest of the back at the hotel ringing around what do you think?’

‘Sounds like a sound strategy’ Ron said ‘but we’re never again spending twelve hours there. Even for first year N.E.W.T’s we didn’t spend that much time in the Hogwarts Library. It wore you out Hermione, I won’t have you doing it again’

‘Yeah well even I’ll admit that was a stupid thing to do’ Hermione said sheepishly ‘I wasn’t thinking properly obviously’

‘I can see why we did it though’ Ron said ‘but finding your parents is only two days away Hermione we won’t have to pour over directories for too much longer’

‘I hope so Ron I really really hope so’

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Wednesday

After spending the morning compiling another list in the audio visual room of the Melbourne Library the next day Ron and Hermione apparated to Brackenwood the only wholly magical town in Victoria. They arrived at the northern end of the main street and began window shopping. They passed a quaint little café much like Madam Puddifoots back home in Hogsmeade called Brunchtime and the main pub of the town called Tinkers Cuss.

‘Let’s go there for lunch’ Hermione said as they watched a squat little man with Goblin-like features enter the pub.

‘Sounds good....I like the name Tinkers Cuss’

‘It’s an Aussie saying’ Hermione said with a smile ‘to not give a Tinkers Cuss basically means not to give a damn to disregard something someone is saying. I think it’s a cute name for a pub’

‘I think we’ll have to come back here before we go home to England’ Ron said ‘for souvenier shopping for everyone back home. I want to get Ginny something Quidditch related she wants to play professional quidditch when she leaves Hogwarts and a nice new pair of Chasers gloves would do her well. Something made out of Buffalo Hide would be good for a Chaser’

‘Not Dragon Skin?’ Hermione asked.

‘Well you can have quidditch gloves made of Dragon hide but Buffalo hide are best for Chasers and Beaters gloves’ Ron said ‘in both positions gloves take a bashing so you need something tough like Buffalo or normal cow skin. Dragon skin is good for Keepers who don’t handle the Quaffle as much as the Chasers. Seekers can have gloves make of lizard skin which is a fine leather that clings to the skin. They only ever handle the Snitch so they can have a more delicate leather. Harry’s are made from Fire Lizard. Mine are made from Hebridian Black skin’

‘You’ve just tripled my Quidditch knowledge’ Hermione said with a giggle as they passed a betting shop ‘I think Ginny would really like a pair of gloves she’s borrowing Charlie’s is’t she?’

‘Yeah and they’ve never quite fit her properly even with the shrinking spells on them’ Ron said.

‘I wonder what we should get Harry?’ Hermione wondered ‘he’s into Quidditch as much as you are’

‘Maybe something on Australian Quidditch’ Ron suggested ’there’s the Quidditch Shop in Cauldron Court I’m sure we can find something in there’

They walked further down the Main Street til they came to a shop from which emanated an alluring smell of burnt sugar.

‘Oh we have to go in there!’ Hermione exclaimed pointing to the shop named ‘Yum Yums’ ‘that has to be the Honeydukes equivalent’

‘I have a sweet tooth I’ll go with that’

So hand in hand Ron and Hermione entered Yum Yum’s there were a few customers milling about and one store clerk restocking a display cabinet thst soley held fudge.

‘Oh Hermione look at that!’ Ron moaned looking at the shelves upon shelves of fudge ‘oh fudge my favourite! How can I choose?’

‘You salivate over the fudge I’m going to have a look at the boiled lollies’ Hermione said I amusement heading to the other side of the shop where there were buckets upon buckets of various varieties of boiled lollies.

The shop clerk noticed Ron gazing longingly at the fudge and laughed.

‘I’m gathering by the drool running down your chin you’re a fan of Fudge?’ he said.

‘You have no idea’ Ron groaned ‘how much for the whole cabinet?’

‘Ha ha you don’t want that much you’ll be sick as a pig’ the clerk said with a laugh ‘do you have a favourite?’

‘Pretty much anything except anything with Aniseed or Liquorice in it’ Ron said ‘but my all time favourite is Peppermint’

‘Would you like a sample?’

‘Of course’

Ron and Hermione spent a whole hour in the shop then made their way up to the Tinkers Cuss Hermione in a snit.

‘What are you so pissed about?’ Ron asked half running half walking in an effort to keep up with her

‘Ron we spent far too much time in Yum Yum’s!’ Hermione snapped ‘far far too much time. We could be back at the library compiling more lists by now argh!’

‘Well let’s get something takeaway then go back there no dramas’ Ron said in a diplomatic tone.

‘That’s preciceley what we’re going to do’ Hermione snapped.

‘Oi lay off me it’s not my fault we spent so long in the shop I didn’t force you to stay there’ Ron said ‘in fact I was finished before you were’

‘Don’t start on me Ron I’m really not in the mood’ Hermione responded glowering like an oil lamp

’Merlins ballsacks’ Ron thought to himself ‘I’m knee deep in the shitty shit shits and I didn’t even do anything! Play it easy Ron just agree with everything she says and you’ll be fine, thank you Twelve Fail Safe Ways to Charm Witches Chapter four!

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Thursday

By the end of the day Hermione was constantly crying and in a total and complete emotional mess. They had written down another list of two hundred dental practices, induvidual dentits and mobile dentists in a van. Ron threw down his quill and messily packed away their things atop the highest shelf in the Audio Visual room with his wand.

‘Hermione I’ve had it!’ he stomed the ferocity of his magic blowing up one of the spare computer monitors ‘you’re an emotional fucking wreck. I can’t stand seeing you like this. We’re getting you a dreamless sleep potion and you’re going to bed, damn this shit!’

‘But Ron we’re nowh-where n-ear finished!’ Hermione hiccuped as Ron repaired the monitor with a poke from his wand.

‘Yes we’re nowhere near finished but you’re well and truly finished’ Ron said ‘at least for today. I’m not going to have you faint on me. I don’t even know where the Australian magical hospital is and I’m not apparating you back home to St Mungo’s. I’ve never tried International Apparating and I’m likely to splinch both of us. I’ll finish ringing around til the close of business. But you’re going back to the Hotel right-now!’

‘But I don’t want a Dreamless Sleep Potion!’ Hermione whined ‘I’m not that bad’

‘Are too ‘

‘Am not’ Hermione said making a face like a petulant child.

‘Well would you at least consent to a Calming Draught?’ Ron asked ‘please Hermione you’re a bloody mess’

‘Y-well I suppose I can consent to a Calming Draught’ Hermione said.

‘Okay then apparate back to the Hotel run a spa and try and relax I’ll be back with some Calming Draught’ Ron said hugging her ‘go on I won’t be long’

‘Okay’

Hermione disapparated with a sanp and Ron finished cleaning up the room. He then turned into the darkness disapparating to Cauldron Court. He then scurried up the bustling thoroughfare and entered the apothecary which was more like a Muggle pharmacy than a Magical Medical Go-To store.

‘G’day can I help you?’ the shop manager asked.

‘Yeah I was wondering if I could get a Calming Draught for my girlfriend’ Ron said ‘she’s having some family problems and is having a bit of a hard time of it. She won’t take a Dreamless Sleep Potion but she’s consented to taking a Calming Draught. I’d brew some myself but I don’t have the requirements and we’re staying in a Muggle Hotel’

‘No worries can do that for ya’ the manager said ‘do you want one with a mild sedative in it?’

‘Nah I think just a bog standard Calming Draught will do’ Ron said.

‘Okie dokie take a seat I’ll get your order now we just brewed up a batch this morning’

‘Ta mate’

Ron slumped down on the bench in front of the front counter and waited as the apothecary manager disappeared into the back of the shop. He amused himself by casting purple smoke rings then charming them to circle his head as he waited. The manager emerged a few minutes later carrying a small vial of a clear liquid with a cork in the end.

‘Here you go Mate this is yours for fifteen bucks’ he said ‘it’s just out of the Cauldron so doesn’t need any immediate preserving Charms but if you want to keep it more than three days chuck an everlasting Charm on it’

‘Nah this’ll be consumed immediately’ Ron said handing over the money ‘thanks anyway’

‘No worries’

Ron exited the shop and disapparated immediately arriving back in the hotel room he and Hermione shared. The sound of running water came from the bathroom and a thin stream of steam trailed under the door through the gap on the floor.

‘Hey sexy wench I am back your knight in shining armor returns!’ he declared kicking off his shoes.

‘Ha ha’

Ron made his way into the spacious bathroom where Hermione was sitting in a rapidly filling spa bath and was munching on some of their purchases from Yum Yum’s the previous day She had added so much bubble bath to the water so she was almost invisible.

‘How much bubble bath did you add?’ Ron asked incredulously ‘at this rate the bubbles will leak under the room door’

‘I maybe added a tad too much’ Hermione said sheepishly ‘want to join me?’

‘If I jump in the bubbles will leak out into the hallway’

‘Prat c’mon banish some of the bubbles then if you’re so concerned’ Hermione said with a grin ‘c’mon Ron it’s a crime against humanity not to have two people in a bath this size’

‘Oh okay then’

Ron placed Hermione’s vial of Calming Draught on the counter top and quickly stripped off.

‘Take this before I get in’ he said holding out the medicine.

Hermione popped the cork on the vial and downned it in one swallow. Immiediately she closed her eyes and sighed.

‘Oh that’s lovely!’ she said as Ron banished some of the bubbles then stepped into the hot water ‘oh thanks so much’

‘It’s working then?’ Ron said stretching in the water.

‘Oh yeah, I suppose it’s fresh?’

‘Yeah according to the Apothecary Manager, straight out of the cauldron’ Ron said ‘feel better?’

‘Yeah loads’ Hermione said sinking down in the water ‘and a hot spa finishes it off nicely’

‘And footsies with my cock?’ Ron said in amusement as one of Hermione’s feet found his crotch and began toeing his testicles.

‘Those are your nuts’ Hermione said with a giggle giving his testicles a gentle poke ‘nice and squishy’

‘They won’t be if you keep doing that’ Ron said with a grin.

Hermione ajusted her position in the water and began massaging his balls between the soles of her feet and toeing his cock.

‘You’re a naughty girl Hermione’ he said dryly ‘and what do you propose to do once I’m at full mast?’

‘Set your sail’ Hermione said with a giggle ‘then ride you over the horizon’

‘Actually that was very funny’ Ron said with a laugh as Hermione giggled shrilly ‘nice one H’

They sat in silence for a few moments before Hermione spoke.
‘I’m sorry for breaking down today Ron I just can’t help but think we’ll never find Mum and Dad’ she said ‘and then if we do find them the problems still won’t be over what if they don’t want to know me after what I did to them? I mean I didn’t give them any choice. Kingsley knows what I did to save them but if anyone else was in government I’d be facing life in Azkaban’

‘Hermione you’re not going to end up in Azakaban and as Harry said to you on the phone when we rang the Burrow from Los Angeles they’re not very good people if they can’t see why you did what you did to them’ Ron said ‘if you want once we find them I can Obliviate you and remove the memories you have about modifying their memories’

‘No don’t do that’ Hermione said ‘I know I’m not going to get in trouble officially I’m just worried about Mum and Dad’s reactions’ Hermione said ‘you know this going looking for them is a little like the Horcrux Hunt but without the camping in a cat scented tent and the danger of being murdered every second’

‘And the fact we’ve got a regular supply of food and I’m not going to get pissed on unfounded fears and run off on you’ Ron said ‘seriously Hermione everything will be fine’

‘Well as you said tomorrow is the day’ Hermione said ‘now I’m going to do something spectacular’

‘Oh and what’s that?’ Ron said as Hermione started rubbing him with her hands.

‘I want to blow you’ Hermione said with a grin ‘Ron we haven’t done anything since the plane to Los Angeles and you took the inititave then. It’s my turn to blow your mind til you’re a screaming puddle of goo’

Ron felt himself swell at Hermione’s words.
‘And how do you propose to do that in the spa?’ he said ‘we’ve only just gotten in’

‘The Bubble Headed Charm Ron Duh’ Hermione said dryly grabbing her wand ‘now sit back and relax Mr Tripod’

Hermoione cast such a stong Bubble-Headed Charm on herself her whole head and neck was incased in a shimmering flexible globe. She gave Ron a lascivious grin them dipped below the line of water and bubbles.

A moment later with only Hermione’s well rounded bum above the waterline Ron jumped as he felt Hermione’s lips slide over the head of his cock. She slowly slid down his entire length til her lips reached it’s base and he could feel her tonsils.

‘Oooooh fuuuuuuck meeeeee!’ Ron groaned as Hermione flexed her throat massaging his cock head with her tonsils.

Though their fist few times together Hermione was just as clueless about what pleasured him as he was about what pleasured her they had both learned quickly and now Hermione delivered what Ron guessed was a first class blow job.

‘I am going to die a happy man with you doing that to me H’ He groaned only guessing as to wether she could hear him or not.

Withing seconds of Hermione grasping his testicles and rolling them in her fingers Ron could feel a tortrous heaviness settle in his groin. He leaned back on the edge of the bath and began lightly thrusting into her mouth as he knew Hermione always liked this. She responded by increasing the sucking power jumping him forward to climax.

Ron leaned back on the edge of the bath and spread his legs a little further to make Hermione a little more comfortable. She reached a hand up and pinched one of his nipples in appreciation. Ron jumped slightly and involuntarily thrusted further into Hermione’s mouth. She took the intrusion in her stride and took him in further sucking on his fully swollen length with renewed fervour.

‘Oh shit’ he groaned as Hermione released him but just as quickly took him in again ‘aw Hermione I’m gonna cum oh shit!’

Hermione slowly released him and started rapidly tickling his engorged head with the tip of his tongue. A violent shock shot up Ron’s spine and within seconds he climaxed spilling himself inside of Hermione’s mouth. She swallowed then surfaced. With a cat-got-the-cream smile. Ron went to embrace her but she turned around propped herself up and lowered herself onto his still hard erection.

‘Ah shit Hermione what are you doing to me?’ Ron groaned as Hermione’s heat surrounded him.

‘Shagging your brains out you knob’ Hermione breathed leaning back and grinding down on him ‘like that huh?’

‘Of course’ Ron whispered in her ear reaching below the water and flicking her clit with his fingers ‘you know I love it when you do things like that to me Hermione. I’d return the favour but it seems your full’

Hermione snorted then starting bouncing up and down on Ron’s length quickly reaching the point of no return with Ron’s help. Her ministrations were so vigourous water and suds were splashing over the edge of the spa and soaking the shagpile bath mat.

‘I’ve had my turn you have y-you t-turn’ Ron grunted feeling his own second moment of completion near ‘come on let loose’

A moment later Ron felt Hermione flutter around him then clench down on him hard as she climaxed.

‘ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON! she shreiked as Ron followed her over the edge with a loud grunt ‘oooooooooooooooh!’

Together Hermione and Ron flopped back against the edge of the bath breathing hard. Hermione got off him then sat down resting her head on his shoulder.

‘T-thanks I really needed that’ she puffed ‘I know I’ve been a real wart to be around the last day or two’

‘Ah no more than usual’ Ron said with a laugh.

‘Oh shut up’ Hermione said reaching for her wand and clearing up the mess she had made ‘damn you Ron look what you made me do’

‘Oi I didn’t make you do squat’ Ron said with a grin lightly smacking her rear as she leaned over him to striaghten the bath rug ‘I didn’t Imperious you’

‘Not magically you didn’t’ Hermione said slipping back into the water.

‘So my wang has magical properties then?’

Hermione laughed.
‘You could say that’ she said ‘fancy a chocolate?’

‘Sure’

Hermione picked a soft caramel centered chocolate for Ron and a boiled lolly in the shape of a fish for herself. She popped the fish into her mouth and fed the caramel to Ron.

‘Mmm sexy’ he said with a wide grin.

‘Chocolate is sexy?’

‘Not on it’s own particularly it’s just the hot wench feeding it to me’ Ron said with a laugh.

‘Oh I am not a hot wench!’ Hermione exclaimed in mock indignation ‘you make it sound so slutty!’

‘Ha ha’ Ron said wiggling his toes in the hot water ‘you’re far from it’

They sat in silence for a few minutes then once again Ron spoke.
‘So how are we going to get your parents alone to undo the spells you put on them?’ he asked ‘it might take a while to undo them all and probably wouldn’t be a good idea to do it at their clinic’

‘Well I was thinking once we eventually find them we could use the line you’ve thought up and say they’re beneficiaries in a will and make a time to see them at their home’ Hermione said ‘if they think it’s a legal matter they’re more likely to invite us into their home. Because I’ve not found a W and M Wilkins in the residential listings so we can’t go to their home directly’

‘And once we get them on their own how are we going to start things off?’

‘I’ve thought about that’ Hermione said ‘and I don’t like it but we’re going to have to stun them. A potion is going to be too difficult to slip to them and we’d have to start brewing now to have a faint hope of having a suitable draught ready and I don’t know about you but I didn’t bring my Cauldron and Potions kit’

‘A Stunning Spell it is then’ Ron said ‘at least it’ll knock them unconscious and they shouldn’t have any side effects from any other spells we cast on them’

‘Well it’s what I did to cast the memory modifications on them’ Hermione said making a face ‘then I Enervated them. They woke up on the lounge thinking they had dozed off’

‘Well fingers crossed they think the same this time’ Ron said ‘at least we have a final plan worked out. The only thing left is to find them’

‘Yeah and hell knows when that’ll be’

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Friday

Ron awoke on Friday morning with renewed enthusiasm in the search for Hermione’s parents. The previous evening he and Hermione had agreed to start the day seperately. She would go to the Melbourne Library and begin compiling yet another list of dental practices while Ron would remain back at the hotel ringing around the remaining numbers on the list from the previous days efforts.

‘Good morning Keilor East Dental Barbara speaking’ answered the twentieth practice Ron rang that morning.

‘Oh Hi I’m trying to track down two dentists Wendell and Monica Wilkins’ Ron said ‘I don’t suppose they practice there do they?’

‘No sorry dear they don’t’ Barbara replied ‘but you know the name is familiar do you mind holding a moment?’

Ron’s heart soared skywards.
‘Sure’

Ron was put on hold and a feed from a local radio station filtered through the ear piece.

‘Thank Merlin Hermione’s not here she’d shit a brick’ Ron said out loud drumming the edge of his quill against the edge of the study desk ‘c’mon c’mon c’com c’moooooooooon’

Moments later Barbara came back on the line.

‘You there Darl?’ She asked ‘sorry I didn’t get your name’

‘Ron Weasley’ Ron said.

‘Well Ron Wendell and Monica aren’t here now but about six months ago Wendell Wilkins was here as a fill in while our practice manager was on long service leave’ Barbara said ‘I wish we could help you out with a contact number but he came in through an agency’

‘Ah shit’ Ron cussed ‘I had my hopes up there for a while, you see I’m the executor of a will and he and Monica are listed as beneficiaries. I’ve been instructed by the estate to find them as soon as possible’

‘I understand’ Barbara said ‘do you have a contact number? Maybe if he comes back here or the boss knows someone who knows where he is I could give you a call’

‘Would you mind?’ Ron asked greatfully ‘I’m staying at the Grand Central Hotel in Swanston street just ask to be put through to me in room six twenty. Later afternoon would be best’

‘No worries darl I’ll see what I can do for you’ Barbara said ‘good luck’

‘Thanks loads Barbara you’ve helped me loads’ Ron said ‘I’ve been ringing around all the practices in the Yellow and White Pages since Monday, I was hoping I’d have gotten further than this by now. You could be the key to me finding Wendell and Monica’

‘Well I’m glad to help you so far Ron maybe I’ll have news for you later today’
Barbara said ‘I’ll ring the moment you have any news yeah?’

‘Thanks Barbara bye’

‘Bye!’

Ron put the phone back in it’s cradle and pumped the air with his fist.
‘YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! he hissed leaping to his feet ‘finally some progress!’

Ron pocketed his wand then disapparated with a snap instantly appearing in the Audio Visual room of Melbourne Library. Hermione was so engrossed in adding to her list that she leapt in the air in fright sliding off her chair and flopping onto the floor.

‘RON DON’T DO THAT!’ she bellowed clapping a hand over her chest ‘bastard!’

Ron chuckled.
‘I have some news’ he said offering her a hand.

‘You found them?’ Hermione shrilled hastily getting to her feet.

‘No but I found a practice in East Keilor that your Dad worked for six months ago as a fill in’ Ron said sitting down ‘apparently he came to the practice through an agency to fill in for the manager while he was on long service leave. They don’t know where he went after their place but the receptionist whom I just got off the phone to said she would ring me back if she found out anything’

‘Ron Weasley I love you!’ Hermione shreiked engulfing him in a hug ‘you are the most wonderful, gorgeous thoughtful...’

‘Yeah yeah I know you think the sun shines out of my arse’ Ron joked ‘but I didn’t do anything really I only rang up a number. But didn’t I tell you? Today is the day Hermione we’re going to find them I know it’

Hermione did a happy dance clapping her hands like a child.
‘I feel like celebrating’ she said with a grin ‘let’s go to Cauldron Court and bust out the bucks. Let’s have a shopping spree. Let’s get Ginny those Quidditch gloves. Let’s get Harry a wand holster let’s go retarded!’

Ron fell about laughing.
‘Let’s get retarded?’ she chorteled ‘what the hell does that mean?’

‘Oh it means to go off to go stupid to act stupidly’ Hermione said with a giggle ‘so how about it shall we take a long break for lunch?’

‘What now?’

‘Yeah sure I’ve rung through the list I have and if you’ve gotten to the Keilor East practice you’ve obviously gotten to the bottom of your list’ Hermione said ‘come on Ron I’m a girl I need to shop’

‘And I’m a man the designated bag carrier?’ Ron said with a raised eyebrow.

Hermione giggled.
‘Of course’ she said picking her wand up from the table and packing away her things with a poke ‘let’s go’

Hermione grasped Ron’s arm and together the two of them disapparated to Cauldron Court. Ron immdediately headed the in the direction of the Quidditch Supplies shop unoriginally named ‘The Quidditch Shop’

‘Gee they’d never win any prizes for name originality would they?’ Hermione whispered with a giggle as they walked up the steps.

‘No but then sometimes the most unoriginal names are the most effective’ Ron said pausing and inhaling the wood polish ‘ah broom polish the nectar of the gods’

‘Oh I think that’s a slight exaggeration’ Hermione said dryly as Ron headed for the shelves that dislayed the gloves for each Quidditch position ‘so you’re set on getting gloves for Ginny?’

‘Yeah they’ll last her her whole career if I get the right pair’ Ron said ‘what do you reckon we should get for Harry something Quiddtich related?’

‘I think he’d like that’ Hermione said ‘what do you think about a team jumper? I can get that for him’

‘Make sure you pick a team that has a better winning record than the Cannons though’ Ron said dryly.

‘Sure thing’

Hermione left Ron in the gloves area and headed to the front counter.

‘Can I help you darl?’ the store clerk asked brightly.

‘Yes I want to get a Quidditch jumper for my friend back in England’ Hermione said ‘but I know squat about Quidditch particularly Australian Quidditch could you help me pick the right team jumper?’

‘Sure thing follow me’

The clerk took Hermione to the front of the shop where there were rows upon rows of team jumpers in a rainbow of colours.

‘Now the best team in the Australian league are the Melbourne Thestrals’ the clerk told Hermione pulling a purple white and green jumper off the rack ‘they’ve won the premiership five years in a row and overall have won the most titles in the history of the league. Their best player is John Foxworthy the seeker’

‘Oh my friend would like that he was a seeker on his school house team’ Hermione said with a grin ‘could I get his name embroidered on the back?

‘Sure thing that’ll be seven dollars a letter he doesn’t have a long surname does he?’ the clerk asked dryly ‘we had a customer in here last week that wanted a Dragons jumper with a fourten lettered surname embroidered on the back’

‘Nah the surname I want embroidered only has six’ Hermione said ‘I’ll go a large size in one of the Thestrals jumpers’

‘Rightio..a..’

‘Actually make it two I want to get my boyfriend one’ Hermione said ‘same size even lettered surname this time’

‘No worries’ the clerk said cheerfully fetching another Thestrals jumper off the rack ‘are you in town for long?’

‘Maybe another week’ Hermione said following the clerk to the front counter I’ve been here a week already’

‘Okie doke now if you’ll fill out these forms I’ll organise for your jumpers to be embroidered’ the clerk said would you like to pay for them now or when you pick them up?’

‘May as well pay for them now’ Hermione said retreiving her purse from her handbag.

Hermione paid for the jumpers and organised to pick them up the following day then went back to the gloves shelves where Ron was deep in discussion with another shop clerk about Quidditch gloves.

‘So Blue Tongue Lizard hide is the best for Chasers?’ Ron asked a mild tone of surprise in his voice ‘it looks so delicate though!’

‘Ah yes but appearances can be deceiving’ the clerk replied turning over one of the gloves in his hands. ‘it’s thin but tough as blazes and see the latex nodules on the fingertips? That’ll help your sister catch a Quaffle on the fly if you’ll excuse the pun, these’ll last years and years. The primary chaser for the Launceston Unicorns has had a pair for twenty years and they’re still going strong’

‘And they’d be good for a Seeker too? Ron asked ‘my sister plays both positions from time to time’

‘Oh yeah these are good for both positions’ the clerk said ‘trust me this pair will last your sister her whole career if she looks after them properly’

‘Right-io I’ll get a pair then’ Ron said ‘I like that they’re red our old house colours back home are red and gold’

‘So do you want to take them now?’ the clerk asked.

‘Sure gift wrapped if I can’

‘No worries!’

‘Everyone in this country says no worries’ Ron said to Hermione as they followed the clerk to the front counter.

‘We say it back home too’ Hermione said with a laugh ‘they’re not aliens out here Ron’

‘I know that it’s just funny hearing it’

Ron paid for the gloves and then he and Hermione left the shop going across to the robe shop opposite.

‘I’m going to buy you a dress’ Ron said with a grin as the door shut behind them ‘buy one anyone or have one tailored my shout’

‘I can’t have you do that Ron!’ Hermione exclaimed ‘that could cost you a fortune!’

‘Yeah it could but you’re worth it’ Ron said with a grin ‘go on’

‘Good afternoon dears can I help you?’ a little old man wearing a suit and a tape measure slung around his neck asked.

‘Yes I want you to outfit this gorgeous woman in a tailored dress’ Ron said to the man giving Hermione a nudge at the same time as she hissed ‘oh Ron! ‘whatever design she wants in the best material you have no expense spared, she deserves it’

‘Oh I think we can make something to suit her’ the man said eagerly looking Hermione up and down appraisingly as she burned a magnificent shade of scarlet ‘come with me dear’

‘You go and organise something I’m going to go further up the road to get Mum and Dad something’ Ron said to Hermione ‘take your time I’ll go and get some cake and coffee’

‘Ron you don’t have to do this’ Hermione said her face still pink.

‘True I don’t but I want to’ Ron said dropping a chaste kiss on her lips ‘you deserve something special’

‘There’s no point in me arguing is there?’

‘Nope’

With a grin Ron left the shop walking further up the street til he came to the jewellery shop. He made his way inside the tinkle of the bell announcing his arrival.

‘Good afternoon sir may I help you?’ a distinguished wizard in a three piece suit greeted him.

‘Yes you can’ Ron said ‘I want to get something nice for my Mum and Dad back home’

‘Have you thought about what you’d like?’ the wizard asked.

‘Well I was thinking about a bracelet for Mum and maybe a set of cufflinks for Dad’ Ron said ‘buying jewellery really isn’t my strong suit could you help me?

‘Of course follow me’

Ron followed the sales wizard to the other side of the shop where the mens jewellery was on display.

‘Does your father wear wristbands or watches?’ the wizard asked.

‘No he wears the watch he got when he turned of age his wedding ring and his old school house ring on his pinkie finger’ Ron said ‘but when he goes out he does wear this ancient pair of cufflinks that have been in his family since before he was born. It’s a set that’s handed down to the eldest son in each generation. I expect my brother Bill the eldest in the family will get it once my father passes away. I was thinking maybe a pinkie ring or something like that it’s his birthday in two weeks so I’d like something special’

‘Of course of course let’s see ths is our selection of gentlmens rings are you looking to have your purchase engraved?’

‘Yeah I think that would be a personal touch’ Ron said peering down at the dozens of rings resting in rows of velvet ‘I don’t want it to be anything too girly though if you get my drift’

‘Totally sir these are gentlemens rings and we here at Creightons Jewellers do pride ourselves on producing non girly gentlemens rings’ the wizard said with an amused chuckle.

Ron spent the next forty five minutes going through the range of gentlemens jewellery finally selecting an elegant yet masculine pinkie ring with three tiny diamonds arranged in a triangular pattern in the right hand bottom corner. He arranged to have the diamonds swapped with emeralds his fathers birthstone and to have it engraved with his initials. The sales wizard then took Ron over to the much bigger area of the shop that displayed womens jewellery.

‘So can you tell me what sort of jewellery your mother likes wearing or owns?’ he asked Ron.

‘Well until recently our family hasn’t been too well off so buying jewellery hasn’t been something we’ve done’ Ron said reddening slightly ‘Mum wears her wedding ring and house ring and that’s it. I was thinking maybe of getting her a nice necklace she was born in September so I was thinking maybe of getting her a piece with a sapphire in it’

‘Ah well we have many pieces featuring sapphires’ the Wizard said cheerfully ‘of course if you don’t see a piece you think suits your mother with sapphires in it you are most welcome to select another piece and have whatever stone it has replaced’

‘Oh really?’

‘Of course’

Another hour later Ron had made and paid for his selections then left the jewellers and made his way back down to the robe shop where Hermione was being measured by two shop clerks and being shown material swatches by the little old wizard who had greeted them upon their entry into the shop.

‘Gawd are you still going?’ Ron complained jokingly.

‘I’ve gotten lost in the moment’ Hermione said with a wide grin ‘you know I think I will go for the black in the halterneck’

‘It will suit you madam the halterneck’ one of the witches measuring Hermione said ‘accentuates the bust you see. It’s a very fasionable design these days’

‘You don’t need to accentuate your bust madam’ Ron whispered in her ear once the shop clerks disappeared into the back room.

‘Oh shut up’ Hermione said making a face ‘so how did you go picking out something for your parents?’

‘Oh great got Mum and a nice necklace and a pinkie ring for Dad’ Ron said ‘I’ve got to pick them up on Wednesday because they need to be altered slightly, when’s your dress going to be finished?’

‘Wednesday too’ Hermione said ‘though I have to come in for a fitting on Monday’

‘Well if you’re getting a black dress it’ll match my black pinstripe dress robes I bought with us on this trip’ Ron said ‘when we find your parents we can all go out to a fancy schmancy resturant with them’

‘I’d thought the same’ Hermione said hoisting her handbag over her shoulder ‘shall we go for coffee?’

‘Yup’

Ron and Hermione left the robe shop annd crossed the street to Piping Hot. George the manager was spelling a vinegar soaked cloth to clean the outside of the cake display cabinet.

‘Jeez you two are in here so often I’m going to have to go to the Aurors and report you for stalking’ he joked ‘the usual?’

‘Yeah pal ta’ Ron said.

‘No worries take a seat’

‘There’s someone else saying no worries’ Ron said to Hermione as they took a seat ‘might go to that t-shirt shop we pass on the way to the library every day and get it printed on a shirt’

‘Why not?’ Hermione said with a grin ‘have a true Australian momento from this trip’

‘So one of those hats with dangling corks on it would be too corny then?’ Ron said with a grin.

‘Yes Ron it would be too corny’ Hermione said ‘no one in the city wears those things you see them more in the rural areas even then very little’

‘Dad would love one of those’ Ron said with a grin ‘might go to a muggle souvenir shop and get one for him anyway’

Five minutes later George brought over Ron and Hermione’s by now regular snack of a latte and slice of cake each, Ron with Cheesecake and Hermione with Mud Cake.

‘You know I think we should come back here one day just as a holiday’ Hermione said after an enormous bite of cake ‘Australia is so nice don’t you think?’

‘What we’ve seen of it yeah’ Ron said with a grin ‘I must say the libraries are just divine’

Hermione rolled her eyes.
‘Very funny ha ha’ she said dryly ‘I think once we find Mum and Dad we should stay here til we have to go home for the Death Eater trials the first one we have to be at is two weeks away, what d’you think?’

‘I think it’s a sound idea’ Ron said ‘you know if we fly home the day before the trials we’re going to be horribly horribly jet-lagged. We’ve had a week to get over it here and we’re fine but we’re not going to have that luxury if we go home that close to the trials’

‘We can take potions for it’ Hermione said ‘or before we head home alter our sleeping patterns to back home so when we get there our body clocks won’t be so out of whack’

‘That would defeat the purpose of staying back a week’ Ron said sagely ‘the prosecution is probably going to have to go over procedures and the like before the trials anyway so I think once we find your folks remove the spells on them and make sure they’re okay we should head home’

‘Y’really think so?’

‘Yeah, your parents will be able to make their own way back to England and if they’re still doing agency work they’ll be able to leave as soon as they want’ Ron said ‘and the signs are they are still doing agency work’

I hope things go as smooth as they have so far’ Hermione said the tone of despondency creeping back into her voice.

‘I know what you’re thinking Hermione, don’t’ Ron said ‘we’ll have a phone call or message when we get back to the hotel I promise’

‘Hmm’

An hour later Ron and Hermione apparated back to the hotel laden with bags containing all their purchases.

‘You stick here sorting out all the shit we bought and I’ll go down to the lobby and see if there’s any messages for us’ Ron said dumping an armful of bags on the bed.

‘You’ll hurry back won’t you?’

‘I’ll aparate back to the room’

‘Ha ha’

Ron left the room and quickly made his way down to the lobby the same two desk clerks who had manned the counter when they had checked in were once again working away and the older of the pair greeted Ron with a wide smile as he approached.

‘Good evening Mr Weasley may I help you?’

‘Yeah I’m just checking to see if there are any messages for Hermione and I’ Ron said ‘I’m expecting a call you see’

‘Hold on just a moment I’ll check’

The desk clerk went to the other end of the check in desk and began rifling through a heap of indexed cards a moment later he pulled our a bright red piece of paper and strode back over to Ron.

‘Mr Weasley you have one message marked urgent’ he said ‘would you like to use our phone?’

‘Do you mind?’ Ro asked taking the post it note fromt the clerk.

‘Of course just go to the end of the counter and use the phone there just dial zero to get an outside line’

‘Thanks loads’

Ron went to the phone at the end of the check in desk dialled zero and quickly dialled the number scribbled on the note.

‘Hello Barbara speaking’

‘Hey Barbara it’s Ron Weasley here just returning your call’ Ron said ‘sorry I missed you I’ve been out all day’

‘No worries Ron’

‘So do you have any news for me?’ Ron asked the thrill of anticipation swooping through his belly.

‘I do’ Barbara said happily ‘after you called this morning I did a bit or investigating in my lunchbreak and I found a one Mr Wendell Wilkins for you’

‘Fuck me you didn’t!’ Ron exclaimed incredulously ‘really you’re not kidding me?’

‘No kiddo I’m not, it took a bit of work and I had three other people looking too but five minutes before the practice shut this afternoon one of my contacts rang me with Wendell’s mobile number’ Barbara said with a laugh at Ron’s incredulity.

‘Oh seriously you have no idea how happy this is going to make a friend of mine we’ve been looking for him and Monica for weeks’ Ron exclaimed slumping against the counter ‘we didn’t have much luck looking from England you see’

‘I’d imagine it’d be difficult’ Barbara said ‘so you got a pencil?’

Moments later Ron had the precious number written down.

‘Thank you thank you thank you so much Barbara you’re seriously the most wonderful person in the whole entire universe!’ Ron declared.

Barbara chuckled.
‘No worries dearie glad to help you out’ she said ‘good luck with everything from here on in’

‘Thanks’ Ron said ‘I have to go now but know that I really appreciate your help’

‘No worries have a good night’

‘You too see ya’

Ron hung up then spun in a circle pumping his fist.
‘Yessssssssssssss!’ he hissed so loudly several guests in the lobby stared.

‘Today has just been the best day!’ Ron declared to the two stunned desk clerks ‘don’t you think?’

And leaving several stunned people behind Ron left the lobby and made his way back up to the sixth floor. He paused his hand on the door knob of his and Hermione’s room not quite sure how to proceed but instantly deciding to wing it. He twisted the handle and pushed the door open. Hermione had unpacked all their purchases into neat little rows on the bed and seemed to be organizing them according to their group of friends. Her head snapped up and she stared at him hard as he shut the door behind him.

‘So any messages?’ she asked.

‘I think you better sit down’ Ron said in a serious tone struggling to hold himself in and not reveal his news too early.

Hermione sat down at the study desk while Ron sat on the end of the bed.

‘What’s wrong?’ Hermione asked her voice wobbly.

Ron looked down at his feet and took a deep breath. He then looked up and stared Hermione in the eyes.

‘I’ve found your Dad’ he said.

There was a split second of silence before Hermione spoke.
‘Excuse me?’ she asked not sure if she’d heard him right.

‘I’ve found your Dad’ Ron repeated ‘there was a message waiting for me downstars from the receptionist from the Keilor East Clinic. She did a bit or ringing around on my behalf and one of her contacts gave her your Dad’s mobile number.

Hermione shreiked and launched herself into Ron’s arms. He fell back onto the bed and together they fell onto the floor Ron smacking his head hard on the handle of the bottom drawer of the bedside table on his side of the bed.

‘OW FUCK!’ he bellowed clutching at his scalp which erupted in a violent flare of prickling ‘ah shit ow ow ow!’

Hermione hurriedly crawled over to him.
‘Oh I’m so sorry!’ she exclaimed ‘are you okay?’

‘Ahh!’ Ron winced as Hermione touched the sore spot on his scalp ‘ah....yeah I’ll be fine ah!’

When she was sure Ron was okay Hermione helped him onto the bed.
‘Are you serious?’ she asked almost whispered ‘you’ve found Dad?’

‘Yeah I have his mobile phone written down on a piece of paper in my pocket’ Ron said reaching into his pocket and retreiving the Post-It-Note he had written ‘Wendell Wilkins’ number on ‘I want you to do something for me’

‘Mmm?’ Hermione sniffed her eyes shining with barely supressed tears.

‘I want you to let me organise a meeting with your parents’ he said ‘You’re way too emotional to do it now. I’ll ring, right this minute if you want’

‘Yeah I think it’s best if you do it’ Hermione said in a watery voice ‘I’m likely to break down...again’

‘So do you want me to ring now?’

‘Yeah’

Ron got up and went over to the study desk where he picked up the phone and dialled for a outside line. When he got a dial tone he punched in ‘Wendell’s’ number and waited.

‘It’s ringing’ he said to Hermione a moment later as the line began ringing ‘now sush yeah?’

‘Of course’

A moment later the line picked up and a female voice answered.

‘Hello?’ she said.

‘Oh hello I’m wondering if I may speak with a Mr Wendell Wilkins’ Ron said.

‘Of course what’s your name dear?’

‘Ron Weasley’ Ron said ‘it’s a rather urgent matter’

‘Just hold on love he’s just cooking dinner in the kitchen I’ll go get him’

‘Thanks’

There was a clunk and Ron spoke to Hermione.
‘I think that was your Mum’ he whispered.

‘Wendell Wilkins speaking’

‘Is that the Wendell Wilkins of Puckeridge Hertfordshire in England?’ Ron asked.

‘The very same’ Wendell said ‘well formerly of Puckeridge, Hertfordshire you could say. How can I help you? Monica said it was urgent’

‘Yes it is Sir’ Ron said ‘I suppose it’s best if I introduce myself. My names Ron Weasley and I’m from London I’ve been trying to track you down for several weeks now. A colleague and I have had to fly out to Australia’

‘Oh really?’ Wendell said in surprise ‘and why is that?’

‘Well Sir I’ve been appointed the executor of the will of a Mr John Thomas Illingworth did you know a John Illingworth?’

‘Oh yes he was one of Monica and I’s old colleagues’ Wendell said ‘you said you’re an executor of his will when did he pass away?’

‘One month ago’ Ron said ‘now the reason I have tracked you down is because you and Mrs Wilkins have been named as beneficiaries in his will. I need to meet with you preferably in your home to discuss how we can facilitate the transfer of Mr Illigworths assets’

‘Oh of course of course!’ Wendell exclaimed ‘well the weekend is here would tomorrow be a good time for you?’

‘The sooner the better Sir’ Ron said quickly grabbing a quill and dipping it into the pot of ink.

‘Well would say two tomorrow afternoon be good for you Ron?’

‘It would be’ Ron said writing down the time ‘and what’s your adress Sir?’

‘Sixteen Pegasus Circuit Caulfield North. It’s the only house in the street with a blue picket fence, a whim of the missus to paint it in a peculiar colour’

Ron laughed.

‘Amusing Sir’ he said ‘okay I have those details. My colleague and I shall be by tomorrow with the paperwork we need you to fill out’

‘I must say this is most peculiar I’ve not been in amyone’s will since my parents died’ Wendell said.

‘Well Sir from what I’ve gathered from amongst Mr Illingworths papers he thought rather a lot of you and Mrs Wilkins’ Ron said ‘but we’ll discuss all of that tomorrow, I better let you get back to your dinner’

‘Of course Ron and thanks for ringing and for coming all the way out here’

‘It’s no problem Mr Wilkins it had to be done’ Ron said ‘I’ll see you tomorrow then’

‘Til then’

Ron hung up and Hermione immediately squealed.
‘So what’s happening?’ she rushed.

‘Tomorrow at 2PM we are going to Sixteen Pegasus Circuit in Caulfield North to go and see your parents’ Ron said with a wide grin ‘was that a convincing act?’

‘Very’ Hermione said in admiration ‘you could be an actor’

‘I think it’s a Weasley trait we can all bung on an act when we need or want to’ Ron said with a grin ‘Fred and George were the best at it but Percy could rival them’

‘Percy?’ Hermione said in disbelief.

‘Oh yeah he hasn’t always been straight laced’ Ron said with a grin pocketing the piece of paper he had written tomorrow’s destination on ‘until he started at Hogwarts he Fred and George used to mess about all the time. He was closest to the twins and I think that’s in part why he’s living back at the Burrow trying to bring George around’

‘Do you think he’ll have any success?’

‘Only time will tell’ Ron said ‘Perce has the best shot at it out of all of us’

‘Maybe we’ll see some progress once we get home’ Hermione said.

‘Now I think we should make some plans for tomorrow’ Ron said to her ‘I want you to tell me every single spell you cast on your parents. That way we can work out the quickest most efficient and best way to un-modify their memories’

‘That might take a while’

‘I have all night H c’mon let’s do it now then we can go for a swim’ Ron said ‘what do you say wands at the ready?’

Hermione grinned.
‘Wands at the ready’
************************************************************************************
A/N: So what did you think?