Witch Hunt

7

The next morning found Hermione packing her things away into her beaded bag. She had spent a sleepless night at 12 Grimmauld Place and knew that if she did not leave soon, trouble would find her.

Dreams of being cornered and trapped kept her tossing and turning all night. Of coming face to face with Snape in a dark alley with no one to hear her scream. Of being shackled to a wall and left for days unattended. She did not truly believe he would harm her, though her dreams had a mind of their own. And if she had to admit it, a part of her was fearful as to what would become of her should he catch up.

She had hoped to have, at the very least, a few days to organise herself and find a new destination. Though, after Kate's visit, she knew it was not possible. Snape already knew she was running.

This was only confirmed when a large tawny soared in through the open window, dropping a neatly folded square of parchment onto the bed. The bird perching atop the wardrobe in the corner of the room, scrutinising her from afar. "No need to ask whose bird you are," she muttered, eyeing the letter with distrust.

The owl chirped sharply, as if to retort to her comment, before turning away its head to preen.

Hermione gingerly picked up the letter with the very tips of her fingers, as though it might burn her. With shaking fingers, she unfolded the bit of paper, her heart sinking as she recognised the penmanship.

'Little witch,

Though unsurprised as I am that you have run, I must admit I am disappointed. This only confirms the suspicion I had that Mrs Weasley was interfering with our correspondence and had hidden from you my true identity. I suppose by now you must have made Katherine's acquaintance. Against my wishes, she insisted upon making herself known to you. For what reason, I cannot possibly fathom. Contrary to what she may have revealed, I only wish for you to be safe. Despite our differences, I do not wish you any harm. What purpose would serve ridding myself of my wife, only to have to marry again in the name of the new law.

I understand you may be confused and frightened. Although your next location is unbeknownst to me, I will collect you in the following days. I will find you.

Lest the ministry get to you before I do.

Regards,

S.'

Her throat dried out, dread spreading through her entire body like ice down her spine and through her fingers. She let out a strangled cry, her eyes watering. "Harry," She managed, her voice cracking from the sheer panic she was experiencing. "Harry!"

He ran up the stairs, nearly tripping over his own feet as he burst into the room. He frowned, confused at her terror, until he saw the letter in the hands. The owl chirped again, attracting his attention. The bird swooped low over his head and sat on the window sill, watching them.

Hermione handed him the note, fingers shaking. "He didn't send Kate. She came to warn us. I was so angry with her, I didn't stop to think about why she had really come." She tried to take a stabilising breath, running a hand across her face. "He didn't want her to talk to me at all."

Harry read over the letter quickly, pulling a scrap of paper from his pocket. "She left an address, before heading out." He said. "A house, in Godric's Hollow. She told me she used to live there before my parents died. They were neighbours. She hasn't been back there since, though the house is still under the Potter name. Snape wouldn't know about it. Since she's supposed to be dead, it would be mine to inherit."

Her eyes snapped up to his, fear clear as day in her features. "Gods, Harry, I'm so frightened. What does he mean that he'll find me before the ministry? What do they have to do with anything?"

He shook his head, shrugging. "I'm not sure, though I'll try to look into it at the office tomorrow. Listen, head to the house, use the enchantments we used on the tent during the war. Hide out as long as you can. I'll pack you a basket and come by in a few days with more food. You'll be safe."

She shook her head. "I know she's your family, Harry, but we can't trust her. She's a beacon for Snape to follow."

The boy who lived took a deep breath, raking a hand through his hair. "Listen, Hermione, she wouldn't have left an address if she didn't want to try to help. We have no other choice. He knows you're here." He shrugged. "Unless you've got a better plan?"

He had a point. It was the best option she had if she planned on following through. Again, she thought about how cowardly it seemed to run, though flashes of her nightmares came to her, shocking her back to the moment. "Fine," she conceded, turning back to her things and finishing her packing. Her heart hammered in the chest, her breathing rapid.

Was this what it felt like to be hunted? It certainly seemed that way.

"Godric's Hollow it is."