A/N: My deepest, deepest apoligies. My computer crapped out on me right in the middle of my chapter, so I had to completely start over. I lost all my quotes as well. Pissed me off that all it did. I'm going
to try and pop out chapters quickly now. Not as long, but I hope still good. For those that are Ron bashers like me, the next chapter will be enjoyable.
Chapter Fifteen:
The Aftermath
It is better to be envied than pitied. Herodotus (484 BC - 430 BC)
Harry woke to the gentle sighs of Hermione's breath on his chest. At one point in the night, she had turned into his chest. She was holding on to him tightly and her breathing seemed to be erratic. His arms hung loosely around him, though as he tightened his grip around her, she relaxed, and her breathing calmed. Letting out a breath he did not know he was holding, he looked around the room.
The sunlight was creeping in through the window. He guessed it was late in the morning and as Hermione shifted on the bed, he guessed they must have been sleeping for a while. His back ached from the position he was in, but he did not care. She looked peaceful at the moment, and that was all that mattered for him. Last night had been hell for both of them. More for her than him, but he knew it had been rough.
"Hello?" Harry looked over at the door. He slipped on his glasses and looked to see Serge poking his head through the door. "Mind if we speak?"
"I guess," Harry said. He sat up, but kept Hermione close to his side. She remained in his arms with her arms around his neck. He pulled the white sheet up her around, protecting her modesty in case she awoke.
"I wanted to congratulate you last night," Serge said. He was still walking with a limp and held his right arm close to his chest. "Mind if I sit?"
"Be my guest," Harry said. "I'm certainly not moving,"
"I doubted you would," Serge said, sitting in the chair. "My grandfather talk to you yet?"
"Last night, he took the memories," Harry said. He pulled the sleeping beauty into his lap, letting her head to rest against his chest. "He's letting us stay here until the weekend."
"Ah, her birthday party," Serge said. A twinkle came to his eye as he spoke. "You get the present yet?"
"Its safe," Harry said. He looked down at Hermione. He could have sworn her breathing changed, but it did not seem like it now. "What did you want to talk about?"
"You both will be attending the meeting this weekend correct?" Serge asked. Harry nodded, speaking for both of them. "Good, I'm making sure that both you and Hermione get into the Order, if not fuck them."
"You do have a way with those colorful metaphors, don't you," Harry said, trying to hold back a chuckle. Serge normally would not swear in front of women, but since Hermione was asleep, he guessed Serge didn't care.
"Well, us Americans have always been called rash and foolish, who am I to buck tradition," Serge shrugged his shoulders. "Now, need me to get you anything before I visit my daughter?"
"Maybe breakfast," Harry said, running his hand through Hermione's hair.
"I'll see what I can do," Serge said, with the trademark Dumbledore twinkle in his eyes. He left them, and Harry could not help but to observe the room.
It was clean, remarkable similar to the rest of the hospital wing. Yet it did not hold the same ambiance that the rest of the ward did. It seemed more peaceful and quiet. Maybe it was all the simple light tones around the room, holding only a single bed and dresser. A few mahogany chairs here or there for friends to visit and such, but overall it seemed very calm. Maybe it was just the fact the Madame Pomfrey wasn't always overhead looked out for him.
Hermione shifted in his arms slightly, attempting to stretch. Harry looked back down at Hermione, smiling to himself as her eyes fluttered open. She really did look like an angel.
"Good morning beautiful," Harry said, letting her look up at him. "How was your night?"
"Wonderful," she said, stretching a bit more. "How long have you been awake?"
"A while."
"What are you getting me for my birthday?" Hermione asked. The curiosity in her eyes shocked him. "I heard you saying that it was safe. What is it?"
"If I told you, that would ruin the surprise," Harry said. She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning into his embrace once more.
"But I want to know," she whined slightly. He kissed her lightly on the nose, causing her to giggle.
"You will, on Saturday," Harry said, leaning back in the bed.
"Okay," Hermione said. She relaxed in his arms, almost going back to sleep, when the door knocked again.
"Come in," Harry said, covering Hermione's body with the sheet once more.
"Good morning," Dumbledore said, walking into the room with a rather large smile on his face. "How was your night?"
"Good, now go away," Hermione said, sliding underneath the covers completely and off of Harry's lap.
"Is there something you wish to speak to us about?" Harry asked, smirking slightly at Hermione's actions.
"Ah, yes, there is," Dumbledore said. "Mister Lovegood approached me this morning, on a topic the concerns you, Harry."
"What?"
"He wanted to make you the legal guardian of his daughter, should anything happen to him," Dumbledore said, losing his smile. An almost cliché silence filled the room.
"What?" Harry asked. He must have been mistaken. He had to have been.
"Mister Luvegood has asked that you be the legal caretaker of his daughter should anything happen to him." Dumbledore said this slowly, awaiting Harry full reaction.
"But…but why?" Harry asked, finally able to speech. Hermione sat up this time, keeping the sheets around her body.
"He is the only one that knows that," Dumbledore said. "He has just asked this of you. You saved his daughter's life. From what I got from our conversation, he is under the impression that you act as a guardian toward her."
"Harry is the greatest at that," Hermione said. She shifted in his arms slightly, but let out a soft sigh. She felt so peaceful, such a contrast to the previous night.
"All I do is hurt the people I love," Harry said, shaking his head.
"No, quite the contrary Harry, I have never seen you knowingly hurt someone," Dumbledore said with a small smile. Hermione tightened her grip around his body. She knew what doubts plagued his mind. "You have a strength within you Harry; something that Voldemort can not comprehend. This strength is what will aid you the most Harry in this war."
"What is it?" Hermione asked. Both Harry and Dumbledore shared a silent look before Harry nodded. Hermione watched as a smile grew upon Dumbledore's face and Harry's eyes began to twinkle brightly, similar to Dumbledore when he first entered.
"Love, Mione, my love," Harry said, kissing her forehead lightly.
"I could have told you that," Hermione said, looking up at him. "It is the greatest feature about you, Harry. Your capacity to love despite what you've gone through." Harry began to blush at this statement.
"Well, we shall discuss this more once the weekend has come," Dumbledore said, standing up. "I shall see you both on Saturday."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, sitting upright. Harry wrapped the blanket back around her as Dumbledore spoke.
"You need the next few days to regain any strength you may have lost as well as for Madame Pomfrey to properly check your injures," Dumbledore said with a small smile. "Now, I understand that you are waiting for something to eat. I believe something is on its way. Good day to you both."
"Thank you," Harry said. Dumbledore left without another word, but a smile. "Now, shall I get us a book?" Hermione shook her head, and pushed Harry back down onto the bed.
"We are sleeping in today, Mister Potter," Hermione said. "I don't want you to leave my sight, understand me?" She laid down on his chest, preventing him from sitting up.
"Alright, if you say so," Harry said. He still was confused about what had just happened. All he could do was think: `why would Mister Lovegood want him to look after Luna?'
* * * * * *
Harry spent the remainder of the weekend in the room with Hermione, similar to his summer. Not that he minded it. They remained together, finally studying as Hermione put it, on Friday. She seemed content on keeping him to herself, finding sometimes odd reason to keep him near. Maybe the memories of the attack had affected her more than either of them knew. But today, today was Saturday and they finally were released from the hospital. Both Grace and Julie were released the day before, along with Luna so they were the last to go.
"Come on Hermione," Harry said, pulling on Hermione's arm slightly. She was given a clean bill of health, but did not seem to want to leave the comfort of the room they were in. Something was still wrong, yet he could not place his finger on it.
"Please, I don't want to go," Hermione said, fear shaking her voice slightly.
"Hermione, you do remember what today is don't you?" Harry asked, stopping the in middle of the hallway once more. They had already stopped at least five times before; Hermione did not want to stray too far from Harry's side it seemed. From what Harry could tell, there was also a fear instilled within Grace and Julie. They both would not leave Serge alone as he had promised to stay for the weekend. He had not seen Luna yet, but if his hunch was right, she too was afraid.
"My birthday," Hermione said, wrapping her arms around him. She knew it was her birthday, how could she forget? Harry was supposed to be giving her this big surprise.
"Yes, your birthday," Harry said. He smiled slightly at his plan. Serge and Harry had gotten together one time when Hermione was talking with the other girls about one topic or another, he wasn't sure. But Serge and he had made for a small birthday party in the common room for her. Birthdays were not celebrated much at Hogwarts, but this time, he wanted hers to be special. To make up for the gift at least. With each passing hour, Harry grew less confident about what he was giving her. Why would she need a piece of jewelry? "You don't want to be late for it, now do you?" She shook her head, but buried it in his chest.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. She hated herself for being so weak and scared. She hated having to hold onto Harry like she was doing, but there was no other way for her. Every time he was gone, she felt this coldness, this pain that started to overcome her. Tears welled in her eyes as she thought about all he had done for her, and how she was paying him back.
"No reason to be sorry," Harry said, keeping her close. "I'm still not good at this Mione. I don't know what to tell you. All I know is that no matter what I'm going to be here for you." He smoothed out her hair at the moment, getting her to look at him.
"Thank you," she said. Leaning into his embrace even more, she felt comforted by his arms. "That's all I need right now." They stayed like that for a few more moments before Hermione finally pulled back, her tears ending. She kissed his cheek lightly before pulling back, a small blush on her cheeks.
"Lets get going," Harry said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Hermione smiled to herself as the emotions faded from her.
They walked silently back to the Common Room once more. Hermione was able to keep the pain away this time, and it kept them from stopping. It was oddly silent as they approached the dorms, but she figured it was because today was a Hogsmeade date that they would be. Sighing to herself, she relaxed as they approached the Fat Lady, marking the end of their journey.
"Do we have to go back?" Hermione asked, slightly worried with her friends reactions to what happened. It had been three days and she had not heard of what gossip had been floating around the school. Harry just shook his head.
"Yes," he said, taking hold of her hand once more. "There is something I need to show you."
"What?" Hermione asked, her curiosity peaking.
"Let me show you," Harry said. He looked up at the Fat Lady who happily turned open for him.
"Welcome back," she said with a large smile. Hermione returned it, and then turned her gaze onto now open doorway. There, on a rather large banner, were the words "Happy Birthday, Hermione!" spelled out in bright red on a gold background. Harry wrapped his arms around her waist as she swayed slightly.
"What?" Hermione managed to get out as Harry kissed her cheek.
"Harry birthday," he said as a mob of Gryffindors came forward to speak to her. He let her go into the throng, but kept a eye on her. He would be at her side the moment she looked panic, and right now, all he could see was happiness as people wished her well year.
He spotted a familiar man standing in the corner of the room, eying each redhead, a total of four with Fred and George, with caution. Although he did not understand this, Harry let it go as something Serge would tell at a later time. Serge held a small smile as his eyes moved off of the redheads for a moment and onto his daughter and niece. Both Grace and Julie were talking with Arthur, a boy would was now officially known as their protector, taking a few lessons out of Harry's book. Goliath wandered around their feet, looking up at the three humans in awe.
"Mornin'," Serge said, his gaze changing back to the Weasleys. "When you going to give it to her?" He tossed a small rectangular box to Harry, who caught it without breaking eye contact.
"I don't know," Harry said. He looked down at the package in his hand. When he saw the amulet, he bought it immediately in Diagon Alley. He didn't care how much it cost or such, but what mattered was that it spoke to him. Before he had paid for it, he knew it was meant for Hermione. Now, now it seemed to be a bad idea. Hermione was not the type to wear jewelry.
"Just give it to her," Serge said with a smirk. It faded as he looked over at Ron. "I swear if he tries something," he muttered under his breath.
"What did you say?" Harry asked, now looking at Ron too. He was guiding around Hermione, and the smile on his face upset his stomach.
"Nothing Harry. But I want you to give it to her soon, before tonight," he gave Harry a pointed look at this, which he understood. Tonight was the order meeting where they would be inducted. "You going to let Ron do that all night?"
"You done telling me what to do?" Harry asked a smirk of his lips. Both of them laughed lightly. "Yeah, I'm going." Harry walked into the crowd once more, making a beeline for Hermione. "I'll take it from here Ron," he said as Hermione whipped around, throwing her arms around his neck. Ron stared at the couple for a few moments before nodding and leaving them. The crowd seemed to break up and many of them went off to enjoy the food someone, Serge or the Weasleys no doubt, brought up to the common room.
"Thank you," Hermione said. A large smile was plastered onto her face. She kissed him furiously, giggling as she brought off the kiss. "Thank you so much."
"I didn't do too much," Harry said, wrapping his arms around her. "Ginny and Ron did most of it." Ron must have heard because he blushed slightly at this acknowledgement, but Hermione did not notice. She turned around, staying in Harry's arms. Although she would not admit it, she felt uncomfortable when Ron was leading her around. That discomfort was gone now that Harry was back.
"Thank you, both of you," Hermione said. Tears began to well in her eyes. "You have no idea how much this means to me." Ron stepped forward as if to hug her, but a look of fear overcame his eyes, and he took two steps back.
"Well, there's the birthday girl," Serge said, coming up behind them. For the first time, Harry took in the surrounding as Hermione exchanged conversation from within his arms with everyone.
The room was brightly lit, making the colors seem even brighter. But the mood seemed to be heavy and painful, as if something horrible was approaching. Even the flames from the fire seemed to be moving slowly, as if something was holding them back. The red, seemed to be a bright red, one like freshly spilled blood; the gold was nothing more than bright rot yellow. Everything spoke of death. Shaking his head, he moved away from that train of thought as Fred and George brought out a large red and gold cake. A chorus of "Happy Birthday" rang through the room, knocking him even further back to reality.
Hermione let the tears come as she leaned back in Harry's embrace. He held her loosely to allow her to move, but tight enough to make know he was real. The voice had returned with memories from her childhood, something she did not want to think about at the moment. She would tell Harry, he had to already know something was bugging her, but now was neither the time nor the place. At one point, Crookshanks came down from her room, making her pick up the cat in fear of the dog now barking around everyone's feet.
An hour or so past, and Hermione did not stray far out of Harry's reach, more of her own doing than his. She was currently sitting on the sofa, looking at a rather large mound of presents, trying to hold back her tears. She had never had this many presents before, beyond her parents and family. She got even more books to add to her collection as well as a small army's worth of sweets and such from everyone. She saved her best friends' presents for last. Picking up a rather large present from Ron, she guessed correctly was a book.
"What?" Her voice dropped out as she stared at the cover. The large dusty book was entitled A Complete History of Magic: Since 1981. The year the Potters were killed, Hermione thought as she fingers ran over the cover. "Thank you Ron." She reached out and hugged him tightly. In comparison to the bottle of perfume he gave her the previous year, this present was grand. Ron had a goofy smile on his face as she pulled back, and Harry did not like the blush that was covering his cheeks either. It made his present seem even less important.
"Here is mine," Harry said. He handed the small box to Hermione who looked at him peculiarly.
"Is this the surprise?" She asked, looking at the box wrapped in a blue paper. He nodded from his seat next to her. She looked at it apprehensively. She took off the paper, and held the small jewelry box in her hand. She held back the gasp that was in her throat. She opened it slowly, partially in fear of what the box held. A black silk cloth covered what was obviously a large amulet. She looked at Harry once more, a puzzled look on her face before removing the cloth.
A ring of gold surrounded a large flawless sapphire. The amulet was held a by a braid of what looked gold thread that would connect in the back by two small rings. But the sapphire interested her more. Looking deeply into, she could have sworn she could see the ocean crashing peacefully along the beach. It was the amulet from her dreams.
"It is supposed to help protect against dark curses and such," Harry said, trying to explain why he gave it to her. "I figured you know….it would be useful." Tear began to well in her eyes. "I'm sorry if you don't like it, you can always-" His conversation was stopped short as she flung herself on him, still holding onto the amulet. Harry was rained upon by tears and kisses as she thanked him. He was still confused as she relaxed in his arms. Sitting up, he looked at everyone for some explanation as Hermione held the amulet close to her heart.
"Told you she'd like it," Serge said, causing a thrall of laughter to fill the room. Harry could not help but smile as she leaned into his arms.
"Can you help with it?" Hermione said. She held both end of it out to him. Harry nodded, taking the ends. She lifted her hair off her neck, allowing Harry to slide the amulet around her neck. The rings connected softly as he brought them together. "Thank you." She turned around, holding the amulet in on hand. She kissed his cheek, blushing at her own action.
"You welcome, beautiful," Harry whispered softly, causing the blush to become more prominent. He blushed as well, finally aware of everyone else in the room.
"Well, now that Romeo and Juliet are done, let get this party going," Serge said, turning around. He waved his hand and sound, music to be more precise, reverberated from the walls. He walked away from them, leaving the Trio alone. Everyone else seemed to be getting into the party mode as well.
"Thank you, both of you," Hermione said, as new tears began to fall. Ron gave her another smile, though it wasn't as big as before.
"Glad I could help," Ron said, standing up. He gave them both another smile before walking away. Harry looked up at the crowd a smile grew on his face.
"Who is the one person you'd never guess to see here?" Harry said as he watched Luna approach them. Hermione turned and look at the young Ravenclaw approaching them with apprehension. She was given many odd looks from around the room, but no one said anything, in fear of what Harry might do to them.
"Happy Birthday," Luna said. She still held her dreamy gaze, as always, but she spoke shyly almost lost. Hermione smiled and hopped out of her seat. The two girls, thought to be only acquaintances at the beginning of the year, hugged each other. This had been the first time that either of them had seen each other since the night.
"Thank you," Hermione said as she pulled away. Harry hopped over the couch and was back at her side, supporting her slightly.
"Looks like you having a grand party," Luna said. She appeared to be taking in everything in at the moment. Harry watched her eyes linger on Ron for a moment before turning back to them.
"Luna, I have a question for you," Harry said. "I may sound strange, but were you scared when you left the hospital wing?" She looked at him, before nodding.
"I was for a bit, but then my father met me and we went down to Hogsmeade for a day, why?" Luna asked. Her eyes did not focus on them exactly, yet she held a calm about her.
"Just wondering," Harry said, smiling. He moved on arm off of Hermione's shoulder and put it around Luna's. "Just looking out for you, that's all." Hermione wrapped her arm around Harry's waist, keeping in close contact.
"Smile." Harry vaguely heard Colin's voice as the boy took a picture of the three of them. "Thanks." As soon as he was there, the boy was gone.
"Damn kid," a loud voice echoed through the room. Apparently Colin just ran into Serge. "Watch where you're going." Harry turned around, his concentration on both the ladies on his arms.
"How about we sit down?" He offered. Luna scooted out from his arm and sat across Harry's previous seat. "There is something else that I wanted to talk about."
"I know," Luna said. Hermione looked at Luna for a moment, slightly confused. "My father already talked to me about it." Harry was at a temporary loss for words.
"How do you feel about it?" Harry asked, feeling uneasy it.
"You two, along with Ginny are my only true friends," Luna said tears begin to well up in her eyes. "My father is all I have left." Harry moved over to Luna's side, wrapping an arm around her. He was trying to be comforting, but it seemed to only make it worse. But after a few moments she regained her composure, slightly. "You are the closest I've got to family Harry. I've never been what someone may say is popular, but just knowing that I have you two as friends, make it all seem worthwhile."
"Luna, I'm going to say this only once," Harry said, moving so she was looking directly at him. "I grew up without my parents, and without brothers or sisters, I know how it feels. But from this point on, you will always have your brother, right here, in me." Luna threw herself around his neck, holding onto him tightly as he tried to sooth her. Hermione smiled at the sight before her. Looking behind, she saw Ron, standing with a smug look on his face
"You two break up?" Ron asked, nodding in Luna and Harry's direction.
"What?" Hermione asked, confused slightly.
"You need someone to lean on?" Ron asked, sitting down next to her.
"Weasley, stand up." Serge's voice echoed through the room once more. An odd calm surrounded the room. Harry looked to see fear in Hermione's eyes as she looked between Serge and Ron. "I hear you're good at chess, mind if I take a shot at the game."
"In a minute," Ron said.
"Go on Ron," Harry said, standing up from his seat next to Luna. "I've got to talk with Hermione about a few things anyway. Basically about the classes we missed." Ron nodded, but Harry noticed a slight glare in the boy's eyes before he left them. "Hermione, we need to talk." He said this softly as a crowd began to form at the other end of the room. Crookshanks hopped up onto Luna's lap stopping her from moving.
"I know," Hermione said, sighing deeply. "About this morning?"
"These last few days in fact," Harry said, moving to sit next to her. "What happened on that day?"
"I think I should go," Luna said standing up.
"No, you can stay, it might help to hear an objective side," Hermione said, making a light joke. Harry looked at her, his eyes calm, but studious. She let out a sigh, knowing she had to begin.
"Remember the memory of me in the park?" Hermione asked. She did not care that Luna did not know. Once she started, she had to continue. "There is more, and…and…..and I can't stop thinking about it." Harry wrapped his arms around her, giving her some strength to go through with the process. She closed her eyes, watching it reoccur in her mind.
"I hid underneath a tree Harry, trying to get out of the rain," Hermione began. "I was so cold, and wet, that I huddled against the tree, trying to hide from the wind. I was still able to see the street, incase my parents came. But I could also see two men, standing apart from each other. I could not make out their faces, even with the lightning crashing around us. They pulled this large swords out and stood across from each other, in a stance liked you'd go into. The smaller of the men was attacked first. Every time the sword hit, I felt like I was going to be torn apart. Light….lightning seemed to hit with each attack. It got g-getting louder and bigger each time their swords hit. I tried closing my eyes," Hermione said, shaking her head. Harry wrapped an arm around her, trying to give her some comfort. "But when I did not hear the crash of thunder, I opened them to see if they were gone. One of the man's head, the larger of the two, was in front of me, staring at me, Harry." She turned to look at him, and fear swelled within her eyes. "He was staring at me, and the other man was laughing. The wind picked up again, and this time the lightning hit the man standing. He should have died Harry, but he kept laughing. He was laughing at the man's death. All I could do was stare back into those man's eyes as his head melted." She shook her head as if to rid herself of an image. Harry could only hold her tighter as she began to cry one more.
"What happened next?" Luna asked. She was the first to speak after a few moments of silence excluding Hermione's quiet sobs.
"I-I-I screamed," she was finally able to get out. "The evil man looked over me, the lightning still hitting him, and he laughed at me. All I remember of him were his dull blue eyes, and how they stood out, even without the lightning. Those eyes have haunted me for a long time. " She was calm once more, and sounded almost ashamed of what she had said. She hung her head, wiping her eyes.
"The man's voice, from…." Harry's voice trailed off as he realized what he had just heard. Hermione's torment had started all over again, with that man's laughter. She nodded into his chest as he put his arms around her once more.
The three of them sat on the couch for the majority of the party, only leaving to enjoy some of the cake. Red and gold streams were being thrown randomly around the common room. By the nightfall, when a small buffet was served most of the students had cleared out, only to come back for the end of the night. Curfew was fast approaching though, and Serge began to systematically force people to go to be. The party was dying down like the fireplace, as the first years were sent up to their dormitories soon followed by the second and third years. Ron was walking over to them now, another curious look on his face.
"What happened?" He asked, sitting on the arm of the couch by Hermione. Hermione shook her head, pulling out of Harry's chest slightly.
"Nothing, just a bad dream I had not thought about in a while," she said. She gave him a half-smile before relaxing once more in Harry's arms.
"Luna I think its best if you get back to your dormitory," Serge said in a polite tone. She nodded, standing up from the couch. Both Harry and Hermione stood up as well, and she made the first move, reaching across and giving her a quick hug. Crookshanks moved around at their feet as the two girls shared the brief contact before Harry sweep the young blonde in a hug as well, this time fierce and promising. No matter what happened, she was now officially apart of his family, his younger sister.
"Thank you for letting me come," Luna said as she pulled back from Harry. He smiled and looked at Ron.
"No problem, see you around, Luna," Ron said. Harry could tell the words were forced, but did not say anything. He did not have to, Serge did it for him.
"You know, if you learn to treat woman with an edge more of respect, then you would not get dumped by them so often," Serge said. Harry could not help but smirk at Ron's reaction. "And if you think of retorting, think twice. Whatever Guile has taught ain't good enough to take me on, chief." Ron glared at Serge once more, but wisely did not say anything. "well, good night, see you two tomorrow." He gave Harry a pointed look, to which he nodded back.
"Good night," Hermione said, hopping off the couch. She gave Serge a hug quickly. "thank you again."
"Just get some sleep," Serge said, letting her go back to Harry. "I've good a master's in psychology if you ever want to talk about it Hermione." With this he left them alone once more.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Harry asked. Hermione shook her head, relaxing finally after the long day. The fire crackled lightly as Harry felt her body grow heavier and breathing steadier. Tomorrow, answers to questions would come. He knew that, but that did not frighten him. It was the glare on Ron's face directed toward Harry as he left them only moments after Serge.
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