𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 | √

⎡90⎦

When I woke up, I was in bed. I sat up with a jolt. I was in the Weasley's tent. I sighed in relief. Standing up, I put on my jacket and went outside. Hermione was sat against a tree, a dying fire in front of her, reading a book.

"Are you feeling better?" she asked me. I could only nod, looking at the snowy wonderland around us.

"Harry!" she exclaimed. "Are you alright?"

Harry was staring at the area as well. "You've outdone yourself this time, Hermione."

"The Forest of Dean," she informed us as I sat down next to her. "I came here once with Mum and Dad, years ago. It's just how I remember it. The trees, the river, everything. Like nothing's changed. Not true, of course. Everything's changed. If I brought my parents back here now, they probably wouldn't recognize any of it. Not the trees, not the river, not even me." She paused. I let out a silent sigh. "Maybe we should just stay here. Grow old."

We all smiled a bit, but they were quickly wiped off our faces. "It's certainly hard doing this. Not having a clue where to turn next," I said. "I miss my dad and brother. Dad's just so busy at the Ministry I don't even know if he thinks I'm at Hogwarts or not. And James is getting so many patients at St.Mungo's it's crazy. I'm just afraid that they might come after me you know? Try to keep me safe and locked up in the Mansion. Also, what if... what if my Dad... he has such a dangerous job... especially in these times." My eyes started to water. We all stayed silent.

"You wanted to know who the boy in the photograph was," Hermione said changing the subject. "I know. Gellert Grindelwald." She handed Harry Rita Skeeter's book.

"He's the thief I saw in Gregorovitch's wand shop," said Harry. "Speaking of which where is my wand?" Hermione gave him a sad look. "Where is my wand, Hermione?"

Hermione moved out of the way and lifted her blanket. "As we were leaving Godric's Hollow, I cast a curse, and it rebounded. I'm sorry. I tried to mend it, but wands are different."

"It's done," Harry stated standing up. "Leave me yours. Both of you go inside and get warm. I'll take the locket as well."

Hermione and I stood up. I grabbed the pieces of Harry's wand and brought it inside. Wrapping a piece of cloth around the bits, I placed it in my bag.

. . .

"Hazel!" I heard in the distance. "Hermione!" I was still in my bed, too lazy to move and wrapped in my blankets. Hermione woke up and sat up. I slipped on my shoes and left the tent.

"Harry, is everything alright?" I asked looking at Harry who was coming into view. Hermione walked out behind me.

"It's fine. Actually, you know, it's more than fine." He pointed to something behind him. We walked up towards Harry when we saw Ron, quite disheveled but relieved. I smiled.

"Hey," he said more to Hermione.