Shut Up and Kiss Me

Chapter 20 | Team

We live in cities you'll never see onscreen

Not very pretty but we sure know how to run things

Livin' in ruins of a palace within my dreams

And you know we're on each other's team

Team by Lorde

Chapter 20
Team

The group was stuck at Potter cottage and couldn't leave. It was the dawn after their escape to find Hermione on their own. The ministry declared them as runaway suspects, which of course they've anticipated.

"This is crazy, did they even inform her parents that she's missing?" Blaise was mostly irritated for being locked in. It was essential for them to stay hidden these first few hours.

"Yes they did." Ron flipped the newspaper he was reading, he'd wanted to know what the press was writing about all of them. "Dad went down to Australia himself."

"But I thought Hermione erased their memories in the war?" Luna was sure that was the case.

"The ministry helped her retrieve their memories. They simply chose to remain in Australia, they have a life there now."

"Ironic that the ministry won't let us help retrieve her." Draco snorted.

The youngest Malfoy hadn't been sleeping well. Hermione was in pain but not enough pain to cause him a seizure. He didn't know if what they had was a blessing or a curse. He felt her pain in the nights but was not able to communicate.

Everyone was glad he made a sarcastic comment, his sleepless nights and constant pain had turned him into a bit of an ass. None of them was able to put themself in his shoes so they all let him bitch around.

"Where's our first stop, Draco?"

"Seamus suggested that we visit Hermione's childhood home. She's definitely not there since we've seen the posters in the room but it could contain leads. It's a start."

Dean might be brave but he worried too much. "Isn't that considered trespassing?"

"Not if we're saving her life it isn't." Neville popped a lemon drop into his mouth.

"Besides, we aren't exactly on the right side of the law right now." Ginny was very kind to remind him, but her comment wasn't the exact best to give in such a situation.

Ever since they all hit the road, the constantly seek Draco's approval of plans. Blaise and him are the two at most risk. The rest of the group are very unlikely to be hurt during an arrest, but the Slytherin duo were risking their lives every day they are on the run. So when Dean spoke up about his worry, the rest looked towards Draco, silently asking for his approval. The second he nodded at them, everyone went to work. They never unpacked since they knew they will always be on the move.

Within half an hour, they were all standing in front of Hermione's childhood home.

"I can't believe she never sold it after wiping her parents' memories." Harry whispered.

"Some things we just can't let go." Luna insisted. "This was probably more than her childhood home."

"Come on guys, it's going to be morning soon. I don't know what we expect to find but we better move before anyone sees us." Draco told them all as he walked up the pathway leading to the house. Breaking Hermione's spells on the door was frustrating considering what little time they had left.