Title: The Search is Over
Disclaimer: All familiar characters and events are from JK Rowling and the only thing I own is the plot… Don't sue me or anything I don't get anything from this except maybe reviews. Thanks for the really nice reviews…
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Chapter 7: The One who Caught the Snitch
The days went by and they were unbearable, but Harry knew that Hermione needed to find herself first. He told himself over and over that maybe if he had paid attention to what was in front of him then, maybe they wouldn't be apart.
He tried to live his life as normally as possible. He had Quidditch practices and matches to worry about. Ron and the rest of the Weasleys were all married and he couldn't ask any of them to join him for a drink. Even Fred and George would not let him drink his way off loneliness. Their coach, Stalimier asked the team to keep themselves in tip top shape for all their matches and prohibited them to take too much alcohol, so no teammate of his, would want to wind up in the hot end of their very strict coach's temper.
He had written to Hermione every other day since she left and she would send him her constant replies. Often times after his practice he would sit by the window and read Hermione's letters to him. She would tell him in her letters how the students in the institute gave great regard to her because of her part in defeating the dark lord. Hermione would often write to him about her research work for the institute and how in only a few days she was able to come up with new Charms to use for authenticating magical artifacts.
It seemed to Harry that she was having the time of her life in the Institute and he was very happy for her, but he never stopped longing for her. He busied himself with Quidditch. It always kept his mind from thinking about her but it also brought back memories of them in Hogwarts when she would save him from rogue Bludgers and jinxes. She was a very big part of him that he could not think of a nice memory not shared with her.
"Uncle Harry? Grams said you should get inside; dinner is ready."
Harry saw the small figure of little Christine by the Burrow's porch.
"I'm coming," he replied, he headed back inside. The Weasley invited him for weekend dinners and Molly insisted that he should not be eating alone in his apartment so he wouldn't be so lonely.
The dinner area was a busy place. The female Weasleys were busy filling the table with sumptuous dishes, while Arthur and his sons were busy talking about business and the ministry. Ginny and Draco were seated in the other end watching over the younger Weasleys as if they were busy parents feeding their children.
'Maybe Hermione was right. Draco seems like a changed man,' he thought, as he watched the two settle the little Weasley boys to their own little dinner table.
"Come and sit dear," Mrs. Weasley said as she led Harry to an empty seat which he usually occupied when he and Hermione would attend dinners with them. The seat next to him was empty and it emphasized the fact that she was away, away from him.
The room was well lit, the Weasley dinner table was already overflowing with delicious food, and everyone was seated ready to take part on the feast. Everyone seemed happy and contented and Harry was the only one who felt like sulking.
Ron noticed something was wrong. "I miss her too you know," he told Harry. He looked sympathetically at him and clapped his back.
"I just wish she's here with us," he whispered to him. He knew that Ron understood.
Everyone seemed happy conversing with one another and cracking jokes. The twins were talking about their new product that would make rocks into Galleons but as soon as you purchase something with it they turn back to stones.
Harry just stared at Draco and Ginny who were across from him. 'Draco was probably whispering sweet nothings to Ginny that's why she's giggling like a school girl,' he thought. He looked away; he realized that he wanted Hermione with him even more. Everyone seemed happy with the one's they love while he was sitting their alone with the person he loved so far away. He just consoled himself with the thought of Hermione being happy where she was, because she was doing what she had wanted to do and that was to teach.
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Hermione sat on her usual seat in the Salem Institute Library. She spent most of her time at her new apartment, in the library, or in the classroom practicing Charms, and testing new artifacts. She loved what she was doing but a part of her was still sad. A part of her still wanted her to be with Harry, her Harry.
She read his letter to her and answered it with her activities in the institute. She thought it best to write to him that she was happy in the Institute and it was partly true because she was fulfilling her dream of teaching. She could not deny though the fact that she longed for him as much as he did for her.
"Hermione, is it really you?" a man's voice said from behind her.
Hermione looked up and saw the once very familiar face of Neville Longbottom. He had grown to be a very charming man of his age. He used to be the frail chubby boy whom the trio befriended during their Hogwarts' year.
"Neville!" she squealed. "How are you? It's so nice to see you!" Hermione greeted her friend.
"I'm fine. I didn't know you worked here. Where is Harry? Are you guys still living together?" Neville asked. They both took a seat.
"We used to. I got a job here and he's playing professional Quidditch now. We still write to each other everyday though," Hermione said.
"Long distance relationship, that's really hard to keep," Neville commented.
"We didn't have a real relationship until the night before I left," Hermione muttered. "Let's stop talking about me. Let's talk about you. You suddenly disappeared. Where have you been all these years?" she asked.
"I came here. I guess Snape got to me. I studied Potions further and now I'm one of the Institute's Potions masters," Neville replied. "How's everyone doing back in England?"
"Everyone's doing fine. The Weasleys are all married except for Ginny, but she'll be, in a few weeks from now," Hermione said.
"Ginny? She's getting married? What? Who?" Neville didn't know which question to ask first.
Hermione realized he still wasn't over his feelings for Ginny. He never was. "I'm sorry, I forgot. I…" Hermione tried to say.
"It's okay. I was just surprised that's all. Well, I shouldn't be she's a very beautiful young woman. She's bound to be swept off her feet by some lucky guy. So who is she marrying?" Neville asked.
"Well, you wouldn't believe it if I tell you but, it's Draco Malfoy," Hermione said.
Neville did not bother to say anything but it was evident that he didn't like the news that he just heard.
"I'll be going back to England for the wedding. I'm sure Ginny would like to have you in her wedding," Hermione said trying to ease whatever it was that was bothering Neville.
"I just got back from a trip from Brazil. I still have a lot of things to work on. I have a whole month of researchers and classes to catch up to. My students surely miss me already. They always told me I'm the nicest potions master in the institute," he said lightly.
"I think you are. I know that there's a brilliant girl for you out there. I mean good guys like you deserve it," Hermione said as she clapped his shoulder.
"I wish that were true. Tell Harry and Ron I said hi. Give Ginny my regards. I have to go now. See you around," Neville said, as he stood up and walked off.
"Professor, the Institute head needs to speak to you," Alex said as she hurriedly sat from across Hermione. "Is it true that Professor Longbottom is back? I heard he went straight here to see you," Alex exclaimed. Her eyes were sparkling with anticipation.
"Yes, he was here," said Hermione as she started clearing up her papers. "We just had a little chat. Why are you so interested about him anyway?" she said, as she got up and gave Alex a knowing look, which automatically made the other girl blush. "Ahah! I knew it! You have a crush on him!" she exclaimed.
"Well, I, alright, I have a crush on him, but he doesn't know that. I've been trying my luck to be his lab assistant but the position is never vacant. He got here the same year as I did but he became a potions master in no time and well, I'm still a student assistant. I'm really not as smart as everyone else. I mean, we're practically the same age but I'm still a student here. I shouldn't be saying all these to you," Alex actually opened up to Hermione while they walked the whole way to their Institute's Head Office.
"Is Neville seeing anyone?" Hermione asked.
"Well, not that I know of," Alex replied.
Hermione stopped and looked at Alex from head to foot. She was an attractive girl. She had straight brown almost reddish hair and very expressive blue eyes. She was a couple of inches shorter than her but has a full and shapely physique. "I think I can help you with your problem. All we have to do is to get Neville's attention and I just know how to do it. Bring my things back to the classroom while I talk to the Head. I'll meet you in class later okay," Hermione said, as she handed her things to Alex. The girl smiled at her gratefully and walked off to their class while she entered the Head's office.
A brilliant plan was brewing in Hermione's mind. Neville was probably still caught up with Ginny but he has to move on with his life. That's where Alex would fit in just fine.
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Harry received a letter from Hermione that morning. It was filled with her activities in the institute and it surprised him to read about her meeting with Neville who was supposedly working as potions master in the same school. After reading the letter he hurriedly went to take a shower and got off to his second Quidditch match.
The pitch was once again filled with fans and spectators. It was only their second game but everyone was watching closely how the great Harry Potter would perform in his first ever Quidditch season.
The game was against Bulgaria and Harry was looking forward to this match. Krum had been one of the most famous Seekers of their time. He was also looking forward to defeating the guy who left Hermione a few years back. 'Good thing Hermione didn't take him back,' he thought to himself.
"Harry, let's go. The game is about to start," Oliver called out to him. He was the only one left in the locker room area. He stood up and grabbed his broom. This was his chance to show Krum what he got.
Harry was eager to compete with the Bulgarian team. Krum was once the youngest member of his team but now the team was composed of younger players. Krum was seemingly one of the old ones in the team.
The Whistle blew and the game began. Harry started hovering above the right side of the pitch, but he still could not find the snitch. Unlike the Irish Seeker, Krum was on the other side of the pitch looking for the snitch on his own. Oliver was doing a swell job at keeping the Bulgarian chasers from scoring.
Harry spotted something glistening by the left stands. Krum was closer to that area so if he made his way there, the other seeker would take notice and might get to the snitch before he does.
Harry took his chance and flew the other way. Krum followed behind as he expected. He then went to the other direction but the snitch was nowhere to be found. Harry and Krum were now head to head in finding the snitch. England was winning 200 to 60. Even if Krum gets the snitch England would still win but to Harry, it wasn't just about winning the game, it was also a contest of who was the better seeker.
Harry cleared his mind. Void from what was happening around him he scanned each stand, each hoop. He finally saw the glistening little winged ball. It was flying a long side a Bludger. He couldn't care less if Krum saw him but he hurriedly made his way towards the snitch. Keeping his focus on his target. He noticed Krum flying close by. He was eagerly making his way next to Harry. The Bludger was flying towards the other side of the pitch and the snitch followed behind. Harry and Krum turned to the other direction almost the same time. Harry stretched his hand out. Krum was doing the same. The players were now staring at the two seekers competing to get the snitch. The crowd was at the edge of their seats. Harry Potter and Viktor Krum were fighting to get the snitch first. But to Harry it was almost like getting to Hermione's heart first.
At any moment Harry and Viktor was about to crash to one of the stands, neither one of them looking away. The prized snitch was flying fast but both seekers were close to reaching it. Harry and Krum both crashed. A hole showed just below the stands. Everyone was anticipating. Did Harry or Viktor have the snitch? Slowly, a dark haired figure was coming out from the opening both Viktor and Harry had dark hair so unless the face was seen by the crowd nothing was for certain. The figure showed the snitch he was holding and slowly lifted his head. It was Harry Potter. He finally got out of the hole, waving the snitch around for the crowd to see. The crowd went wild. He was still on his broomstick. He held his hand out inside the hole. Viktor took his hand and got out from the opening. The English team went and congratulated him. Viktor went to join his teammates.
Once again it was a game won. Harry only had a bruised cheek from the game because he slammed to one of the beams. He was about to make his way out of the pitch when he heard some one call out to him.
Viktor Krum was waiting for him outside the locker room area. "May I have a word?" he said and Harry made his way towards the opposing team's seeker.
They went up the stands. "What is it that you wanted to say?" Harry asked.
"Do you remember the last time I confronted you, Harry?" Viktor started.
"Believe me I do. It was before I saw Crouch Sr., you asked me what was going on between me and Hermione. I thought it was funny then," Harry admitted.
"Did you ever wonder why I asked you?" Viktor said, as he stood up and paced around.
"You thought Hermione and I are more than friends," Harry replied. "It was ridiculous then. I mean we were just friends." But he realized that he and Hermione had always had something different. It was something that most people see in the two of them when they're together. And he had mistaken that feeling of something more than friendship as mere caring because they were too familiar with each other.
"I did think that there was something between the two of you then, but when you answered me the last time, I realized that you weren't aware of it. I still pursued keeping in touch with her. Even if I knew that it was a waste of time because you are everything to her. Her lengthy letters were about you. Remember the time I left?" Viktor asked.
"Of course I remember. You broke her heart when you left her," Harry said furiously. He was ready to strangle Viktor.
"Actually, it was the other way around. She broke my heart, that's why I left," Viktor admitted.
Harry's mouth was hanging open. "What do you mean she broke your heart?"
"See, I made her choose. I told her, I could no longer share her with you. But who was I kidding then? I was the one begging for attention from her, not you. She loves you so much. And even if I tried to show her that I love her more, she would still think of what the two of you have shared and she told me she couldn't possibly leave you. I left her to think. Hoping that one day she'll realize that there are people who love her. When I came back I thought she had finally changed her mind. I mean, four years is a very long time to think. You started dating all these other girls and I thought maybe she would soon be fed up and would consider getting back with me. I guess I'm wrong," Viktor said.
"I didn't know all these up until now. Hermione told me she loved me even before but I didn't know the real deal between the two of you then. I'm sorry, I guess," Harry said.
"Don't be. I was silly to think that I can get away with Harry Potter's girl. She had always been yours and if I were you. I'd go after her wherever she is now. You wouldn't want to miss out on a girl like her. She will always be loyal to you, you know?" Viktor said, as he stood up and made his way to the exit.
"Viktor!" Harry called out.
Viktor stopped.
"Thanks for telling me," Harry said.
"The odds were with you. If I got the snitch there was no way I was going to tell you. By the way, this is my last game. I'm flying to Paris tomorrow," he replied.
"Who'll be playing seeker for Bulgaria?" Harry asked.
"They'll find a new one," Viktor said as he walked off.
Harry was left looking out in the pitch. He wanted to know if there was anyway he could see Hermione. He figured there was a way. He would need Arthur's help though. He hurriedly disapparated to the ministry of Magic's Office, he was one of the few who can.
He asked Arthur for that little favor. The Minister of Magic agreed and instructed him to use the Floo network that night.
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Harry was sneaking in the unfamiliar apartment. The place was neat and organized. The inhabitant was obviously still out. He wondered where she was at ten in the evening. 'She was probably doing some library work?' he thought. He made his way to the kitchen to look for a jar he can place the flowers in. Suddenly something jumped right in front of him. It was no other than Crookshanks. The cat circled around his legs in affection.
"I missed you too old pal," he said. The ginger cat followed behind him. The flowers he was holding looked wilted from the ten minute long Floo travel. He used a little magic to make the flowers look fresh again. He placed them in a glass jar. Wrote a note and placed it on top of the table.
He lingered for a while and looked around in her room. Her bed was in order. She loved big fluffy pillows and the thick comforter he had given her a few Christmases ago. He took a pillow and held it close to his face. It smelled of Hermione's wild flowers scent.
He wanted to stay longer but he was only allowed to stay for thirty minutes or he wouldn't have a way back to London. He actually liked the idea but he promised Hermione that he would give her time to rediscover herself.
He was actually learning to see himself better. He realized how much he needed her. How she had become a part of him. She brought out the best in him like no one could.
He made his way back to the fireplace. He made a last look at the apartment. Crookshanks was curled up on the carpet near the fireplace. The cat purred before he disappeared from the fireplace. Harry wanted to linger for a little while but he would have a really hard time explaining to Hermione.
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Hermione got back to her apartment. Almost everything seemed normal except for the bouquet of flowers in the glass vase on top of her small dining table. A long with it was a note.
I just wanted to let you know I miss you so much…
I miss you everyday…every night…
HJP
A smile broke in Hermione's face. He was here. Harry was here, she kept telling herself.
Crookshanks woke from all the dancing around Hermione was making.
She spotted the cat and carried him in her arms. "You saw him didn't you? He came here. I wish I had been here earlier," she exclaimed. She put down Crookshanks and smelled the bouquet of flowers. It had tulips and daisies just as she liked them.
She missed him even more but she knew that they would be together soon. She knew that she would soon be with Harry, her Harry.
A/N: okay… I'm going to try and finish this fic soon…. Probably a couple of chapters more… Thanks for reading…