Sighs
Chapter 11
A/N: Sorry about the last chapter. I wrote a lot more, but decided that where I ended it was the place where it needed to be ended. The rest of it just seemed superficial and tangential. This one should be longer.
Warnings: None.
Now. On to the story.
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That evening at dinner, Harry sat with Ron and Hermione, chatting and laughing. Draco and Luna also found their way over to the Gryffindor table, Ginny switched places with Dean; the team that defeated Voldemort had their first relaxed dinner together.
"Tonight," Albus Dumbldore stood to address the Hall, "I have joyous news to report. Voldemort is no more." At this everyone in the Hall fell silent and all eyes locked onto the Headmaster.
"He was defeated yesterday night, by none other than Harry Potter. He was joined by his friends and allies, Hermione Granger, Ron and Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood and Draco Malfoy."
Everyone in the Hall turned in their seats as one, and looked at the group. Harry ducked his head while the others waved and smiled weakly.
"As a celebration, all classes for the remainder of the week are canceled. Enjoy your meal!"
As Harry sat and ate, it seemed like every person was intent on shaking his hand or patting him on the back. As a result, he did less of eating and more of smiling and talking. Finally, after what felt like the 1000th person came up to him and started thanking him, Harry excused himself and left the Hall.
Draco and Ginny looked at each other and nudged Hermione.
"What?"
Ginny spoke first, "He's alone now! This is your chance to talk to him! Go on! You both need to talk!"
"Gin's right. You and he need to speak, rather urgently I'd say. Go! Or I'll turn you into a ferret!"
Hermione sighed.
"He doesn't want to talk to me. He hates me. And with good reason too! I'd hate me after what I did."
Ginny almost screamed. This was ridiculous!
"He DOESN'T hate you! He LOVES YOU! AHHHH!!!!"
Draco snickered, and immediately regretted it as Ginny elbowed him in the side.
"She's right you know. Ginny's right almost as much as you are. HEY! WHAT?! It's TRUE! Don't hit me! She's right. You two need to talk. You're driving the rest of us nutters! DON'T HIT ME!" Draco scooted away from his girlfriend as she swatted at him.
"They're BOTH right. Ginny and Draco. I hate to admit it, but they are. You two are insufferable they way you are right now. 'She hates me, he hates me, I don't care,' and so on and so forth! GO! TALK! NOW! DON'T MAKE ME HEX YOU!"
Hermione laughed at all of her friends' antics.
"Alright, alright, I'll go talk to him! But it's not my fault if he hates me…wait…"
"LESS TALK, MORE GO!"
Hermione Granger stood up and walked out, looking for the man she loved. They still needed to talk, no matter what he said.
"Finally. Yeesh. Sometimes I worry about those two."
Everyone who heard the conversation nodded and turned back to their food.
"Harry. I thought I'd find you here. It's very peaceful out here."
Harry acknowledged the voice, but didn't turn around.
"I told you, we've said everything that needed to be said."
"Not everything. And not what NEEDED to be said."
"Look. He's gone. I did what I was supposed to do. Now I just wish everyone would leave me alone. I'm sorry about your parents, and I'm sorry about you, but there's nothing I could have done. Just…let me be for a little while."
"We have to talk! I need to tell you…"
Harry cut her off.
"No! I need to be left alone! I killed him Hermione. I banished him and did it without batting an eye. And now I'm supposed to feel good about that? No! I killed a man! He was evil, but he was still a person!"
"You did the right thing! You did what no one else could! You're a HERO."
"If you killed someone, how would you feel? I'm a hero because I did something horrible! Just LEAVE ME ALONE!"
Harry screamed, the glow once more surrounding him. Hermione was blasted backwards and landed in a heap.
"I just…wanted…to be…left…ALONE!! WHY CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND!? I'LL MAKE YOU UNDERSTAND!"
"Harry, no!"
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A/N: CLIFFHANGER! MWAHAHAHAHA! Don't worry. It won't be long before I post the next chapter! I'm mean. I know. Sorry!