The Other Granger- COMPLETED

Chapter 24

Elaine's POV: 

A few days after Dumbledore died, his funeral was held on the grounds of Hogwarts.  It was totally depressing.  Everyone there shed more than a few tears.  Harry had completely shut all of us out. He was taking Dumbledore's death the hardest and it was difficult to get even a few words out of him. 

Due to the circumstances, all final exams were cancelled for us which meant there was little to distract us from what was happening in the world.  The last few days before we were to leave Hogwarts was spent in silence. No one really knew what to say.  And Fred still wouldn't talk to me.  We haven't spoken since he broke up with me that day on the Quidditch field...and I really needed someone to talk to.  Without Draco here, who I considered to be one of my best friends, I felt more and more alone each day. 

When our last day of Hogwarts finally arrived, Hermione and I were allowed to spend a few days with our parents and Jason at their house before having to go to the Weasley's for the remainder of the summer.  

When Hermione and I stepped off the Hogwarts Express, our parents and Jason were waiting for us on the platform.  I ran into Jason's arms, completely breaking down and bursting into tears.  I couldn't help myself.   Draco was gone, Dumbledore was dead and the war was only beginning...

"It'll be alright, Elaine," Jason said, rubbing my back as I cried into his shoulder.  When we broke from our hug, I looked around and saw most of the students getting off the train were running to their families and crying.  "Sweetie...we have to leave...Kingsley is waiting for us," my dad said, grabbing my trunk for me and leading the way off the platform.  Kingsley Shacklebolt, a member of the Order, escorted my family and I back to our home.  It was actually my first time being in my house.  I never got a chance to since Dumbledore always wanted me to be at the Burrow. 

When we arrived at our house, my parents gave me a tour, showing me to the room that Jason and I would share while we were here for a few days before returning to the Burrow.  

Once we were all settled, Hermione and I got right to packing our stuff again.  We planned to each have a small handbag with us at all times with essentials such as food, water, clothes, etc. just in case we needed to make a quick getaway.  "Elaine...can we talk?" Hermione asked me one day while I was watching tv with mom and dad.  "Sure," I replied, quickly standing up and following her to the kitchen.  "We are leaving tonight for the Burrow," she said, clearly telling me her plan instead of asking me.  "What do you mean?  Why?" I asked.  "Look what just came...I'm sorry I opened it, but I couldn't help myself," she said, holding up a letter addressed to me.  I quickly unfolded the parchment and read: 

Elaine- 

Get out of your house as soon as possible.  They're tracking you down. 

-D 

"That's Draco's handwriting isn't it?" Hermione asked, pointing to the letter.  "Yes," I said, rereading the letter again.  "Hermione...if they're coming we need to get mom and dad and Jason out too," I said, folding the letter back up.  "I know...I have a plan," she said, and continued to explain that we need to wipe their memories of us.  "It's the only way...when this is all over we can find them and restore their memories," Hermione said as she watched me struggle to understand what she was saying.  I knew she was right...but I've never done a spell so complicated before.  "Go finish packing and when you're done we can leave," Hermione ordered.  

I did as she said and packed, when Jason came into the room we shared.  "You're leaving tonight aren't you?" he asked, leaning against the doorway.  I didn't respond, nor did I look in his eyes.  "So I'll take that as a yes," he said, plopping himself on his bed.  "Well...I think it's better if you don't tell me anyways.  If someone came looking for you they'd be able to read my mind right?" Jason rambled as I continued packing.  I looked up from what I was doing and stared at him with tears in my eyes.  "Just promise me you'll be safe," he said, standing up now and walking over to me.  "I promise," I said, pulling him in for one last hug.