Chocolate Enchantment

Chapter 20: Searching for RAB

Chapter 20: Searching for RAB

After Hermione's revelation, the rest of the evening at the Weasleys' was awkward. Ron came in only a few minutes behind Hermione and sat by the twins on the opposite side of the living room. Though she was acutely aware of him in the room, they mostly ignored each other, which she figured was better than the alternative. Hermione saw Ginny slip outside, then Harry followed several minutes later. No one commented that they were missing for some time. She hoped they were behaving themselves, more or less. Ginny was still the better part of a year away from being of age.

When Ginny and Harry returned some time later, they both looked a bit mussed. Hermione made a mental note to speak with her friend that night before bed.

The Aurors on duty in Little Whinging that night included Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt, so before Harry and Hermione prepared to Floo to Mrs. Figg's house, Mr. Weasley sent the Aurors a message by Patronus to watch for the teens.

Excusing herself to use the loo, Hermione took a moment to cast a spell she'd been researching. It would encompass the house and grounds, and everyone inside them. Hopefully it would be enough for damage control. She really couldn't let word of her soul mate get out of the house.

When Hermione stepped out of the fireplace ten minutes later, she found Tonks smiling at her, her hair a sunny yellow this time.

"Wotcher, Hermione. Have a good time at the Weasleys'?"

Barring hurt feelings and secrets disclosed. "Yeah, it was nice. It's not often we get to see everyone together like that."

Kingsley winked at her from where he was speaking with Harry on the other side of the room. Hermione smiled back, then greeted Mrs. Figg. After a few minutes they headed for the front door where the Aurors paused to Disillusion the teens. Hermione considered telling them she was able to cast the spell, but decided it would be best to keep some secrets to herself.

Halfway to the Dursleys' Harry asked, "So who tipped off the Aurors about the Death Eater attack on the Muggle football game? Do you know?"

Hermione couldn't see anyone else, as all of them were Disillusioned, though she could see a ripple in the air here and there if she looked hard enough. Kingsley's voice answered, his voice low. "It was an anonymous tip, but it sure saved a lot of people. Hope whoever it was sees fit to help us out again."

Hermione heard Tonks clear her throat; the female Auror was walking beside her, one hand on Hermione's elbow so they didn't get separated. "Good thing someone has contacts on their side. Though it sounds like a dangerous business. I hope our informant takes care. These are dangerous times."

The ominous words were clearly a warning for Hermione. Hermione responded by reaching over and giving the Auror's wrist a squeeze. She didn't want any trouble for herself or Severus either.

The conversation turned and soon the four of them were at the door of the tent. "Pretty good warding you've got up here, Hermione. Not bad work." Kingsley's praise warmed Hermione.

"Thanks. Is there anything else I should add? I warded my parents' place too, but I'm worried it isn't advanced enough, that there won't be enough time to get help if there's trouble for some reason."

Tonks removed the Disillusionment Charm on Hermione and nodded. "I'll be happy to swing by there and check out your wards in the morning before I return to headquarters. Then we'll see if we need to add another layer or two.'

Hermione smiled gratefully in the direction Tonks' voice came from. The two Aurors would stay Disillusioned until they left the vicinity. A few moments later, the Aurors returned to their duty station, wherever that was, and Harry and Hermione disappeared into the tent.