RAGE

When they arrived, Hermione found herself holding onto Draco tightly around the waist. Surprisingly, he was holding her back, his chin resting on the top of her head. After a few moments she decided to let go. He seemed reluctant at first but Hermione shrugged it off; she had of course imagined it. Draco Malfoy did not want to be hugging her for any longer than he had to, even now.

They were standing on the front terrace of the Malfoy’s home. She looked out across the grounds. It was tidy. And large. Very large. Almost two acres of the greenest grass with fountains and flowers in neat little beds. Hermione felt the good energy in this place. It was very un-Malfoy like. Nothing like the Manor. The Manor was gloomy, creepy and built of cold, dark stone.

This house was warm. It was large too; two stories. It looked as though it would have at least ten bedrooms. It was painted in Victorian style. Very inviting. Certainly a nice retreat.

Draco took her hand and opened the front door.

“Mum?” He called, standing in the door way.

“In here, darling!” Narcissa called from the next room.

Hermione closed the front door and followed Draco into the next room. Narcissa, Luna and Goyle were all sitting on very fluffy and comfortable looking sofas. Hermione gave a sigh and plonked herself next to Luna.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get up.” She said, closing her eyes.

“Mmm-hmm..” Luna answered, her eyes closed too. “Let’s eat before we do though.”

“I hear you.” Narcissa said.

They all sat up and emptied their pockets on the coffee table. There were so many tiny packets and cans of everything. There were plenty of guns and ammo.

“Let’s take the food to the kitchen before we restore them to the original sizes.” Narcissa said.

They all grabbed a handful of cans and packets and went into the kitchen, putting it all on the bench. One by one they returned to their original size. The kitchen was huge. So many cupboards and bench room. The benches were granite and the wood a dark mahogany. Very Malfoy like; top of the range.

“You have a beautiful house.” Hermione remarked.

“Thankyou.” Narcissa said, smiling a little. “But you’ve only seen the kitchen. Lucius designed the house you see, way back before we had Draco. He insisted on the house being, well, the best.”

Hermione held back a snort. Of course he did. The Lucius of the old days must have been somewhat warmer. The house just gave off a positive energy; definitely not something the late Lucius had been known for.

“Can I borrow your Galleon?” Hermione asked Luna, opening a tin of peaches.

“Of course.” Luna replied, already stuffing her face with biscuits.

She tossed Hermione the Galleon. Hermione looked at her watch. It was already one o’clock. If they were going to find a way for the others to get there, then they would have to do it before dark.

“What are you thinking?” Draco asked her.

“We need to get the others here before dark. It’s just safer in daylight.” She said, sitting down at the long dining table. “Maybe they can get flooed here. Or we could pick them up. Either way, we have to do it soon.”

They all nodded in agreement, the initial excitement of safety gone and the sombre mood returning.

“We also need to set up some wards.” She said. “I know our magic isn’t working properly and that we are miles away from any potential infected, but we still need protection, if only to warn us if the infected are anywhere near the house.”

“First we need the others.” Draco said. “The more people we have, the better informed we are and the better we can protect ourselves.”

Hermione nodded and looked at the Galleon, imagining the words to appear. Sure enough they did. Then the Galleon grew warm and the words disappeared.

“What are you asking them?” Luna asked.

“If they can floo at all.” She replied.

She continued to stare at the Galleon, desperate for an answer.

“So we’re all going to stay here then, yeah?” Goyle asked. “At least for the next few weeks?”

In turn they all nodded their heads in a silent vote.

“Until we make some proper plans.” Hermione said.

She felt the Galleon grow warm and immediately looked down.

Harry – Thank god you guys are alright. We’ve been worried sick. We’ve got a fire place but no floo powder. Plus I think they’ve blocked the fire place to prevent anyone, infected or not, getting in or out. I think you’ll have to come pick us up. Either that or we fly. I saw some Aurors with broomsticks.

Hermione frowned.

“What is it?” Luna asked.

“They’ve got a fireplace but it’s blocked and there is no floo powder.” She said, irritably. “Harry suggested they fly here but that’s out of the question.”

Hermione – Flying is out of the question Harry. We will come and get you as soon as we hear from the others and develop a plan. How many people are there with you?

“Has Ginny or any of the Weasley’s written back yet?” Luna asked, wiping her mouth on her sleeve.

Hermione shook her head.