DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A/N:
Thank you all for the reviews!
Forgive me for my lame excuse of attempted humor.
I hope that you'll like this chapter. ;p
~Lily
CHAPTER II: Faith
*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*
`The setting of a great hope is like the setting of the sun.
The brightness of our life is gone.'
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*~_~*
HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED, GONE AT LAST!
`A year ago, muggles have been reported missing as well as muggle-born witches and wizards alike. There had been many killings and the Dark Lord was gaining control. But when Harry Potter, also known as The-Boy-Who-Lived, suddenly went missing (or left, as some of our sources tell us), our world was abandoned in hopelessness. Our last hope was gone.
Then, just yesterday, the whole Wizarding World was awakened by a huge explosion in the middle of the night, somewhere in northeast London. It seemed that a great battle just occurred there. The Aurors and top Ministry Officials informed us that they arrived at the scene in astonishment since every single thing they saw, was not in ruins. It seemed that the whole place was amazingly peaceful as if an explosion never took place. Yet, it was all too peaceful. The top of the trees and the grass beneath them, as the Ministry says, seemed to tell them about the struggle to survive in a magical battle which took place in that location. But as the Aurors carefully explored the place, they got more surprises than they first expected. In the middle of the little paradise (as the persons involved say), was a heap of ash. "It definitely does not belong there," Sir William Ruston of the Auror Division of the Department of Defense told the Daily Prophet. They further explained that it was a powerful human's remains (The ashes were so dark that it was confirmed that it was a ruthless man's residue). Then they said that there was a note on top of the heap of ash. Professionals say that it was written by someone we thought we would never see or hear again.
It was no doubt written by Harry Potter a.k.a.The-Boy-Who-Lived.
`He's gone.'
These two words were read by a ministry official. He was almost `bouncing', as some of his colleagues say, after realization dawned upon the officer.
He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, is indeed gone. He was killed by none other than Harry Potter now known as The-Boy-Who-Defeated-The-Dark-Lord.'
The article went on about the theories on how Harry Potter defeated You-know-who, where Harry Potter is currently staying, more theories, celebrations going on, and a few other explanations concerning the mystical place where the battle occurred. At last, at the bottom of the page, written in bold, `Daily Prophet, 18th of September, written by AngeLica Perez'.
With a sigh, Hermione Granger, 7th year Head Girl, threw the newspaper aside and stood up in frustration. Unlike the other students, she was not celebrating the defeat of the Evil Wizard who made other people's lives hell. She was, however, still contemplating about the unforgettable incident which happened to her a year ago during that fateful Halloween night.
* * *
<FLASHBACK>
In the Great Hall,
(Hermione's POV)
"It's you, Hermione…"
As he said those words, my heart literally stopped.
I couldn't breathe.
Did he mean that-?
My question was never completed nor answered.
I heard the door bang open, and in a split second, he was gone.
It took me (and the rest of the school) a few minutes to realize what just happened.
I didn't know if I should have laughed or cried at that time.
So, I did both.
I laughed and laughed and laughed.
I laughed till I couldn't breathe anymore.
I didn't realize that there were also tears running across my face.
Three words kept repeating in my mind.
He loves me, He loves me, He loves me…
I was torn between happiness and grief.
I didn't notice Ron, who also had tears in his eyes, run towards the door but was stopped by Ginny who was holding unto him very tightly that her brother lost feelings in his fingers. I didn't notice Cho and her friends in the Ravenclaw table with utmost horror in their faces. I also ignored Malfoy in the Slytherin table who was already paler than his slicked blond hair. I didn't see Lavender and Parvati make a perfect imitation of freshly caught salmon in dry land. I didn't notice Professor Mcgonagall tighten her lips and Professor Dumbledore with that odd look in his face (disappointment?).
I shut the world from myself and my feelings.
And with that final decision, I allowed myself to collapse to the sadness and regret.
I fainted.
(Normal POV)
Since Hermione Granger fell unconscious, she never heard of the conversations which took place in that room.
A person outside the Great Hall would be wondering if someone dropped a nuclear bomb in that area. People suddenly broke out from their trances and shocked selves and began to shout their protests to the Headmaster while the other half of the student population, or the girls, were shrieking because of the dramatic scene they've just witnessed.
"Professor Dumbledore, is it true?" "Headmaster, Hermione says that Harry shall be the only one who can defeat-…." "What are they saying about `the power he knows not'?" "What is the prophecy they're talking about?" "Why didn't you stop Harry leaving Hermione?" "Professor, is he coming back?" "What is the battle they're talking about?" "Sir, is Mister Harry Potter leaving?" These questions where all directed to the Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.
Then, a few seconds later, a large amount of people, mostly the male population, to be precise, became aware of the incident and struggled not to run after Harry and beat him out of his wits. They roared in rage at Harry, not caring who he was and how powerful he is, but only because he hurt their precious and most loved Hermione.
(Hermione had a great change over the summer. Most of the guys in the school suddenly became more aware of her presence, thus making her male best friends more protective over her.)
Others, however, were speaking rather noisily about the confessions they've heard.
"Did you see Hermione Granger slap The-Boy-Who-Lived's face?" "Well, how about his reaction?" "Did you hear her confession of love to Harry Potter? I mean, for a moment there, I thought she was going to lose it!" "Oh, and Harry Potter's last words! I swear, if you hadn't been holding unto me sooo tight, I would be shrieking in happiness! I knew it all along! I knew that they would end up together someday…. *sigh*" "'It's you, Hermione…' My Gosh, I couldn't breathe right then and there!" "I won! I won! You owe me 12 galleons!" "Oh, all right…" "Hey, you also owe me 5 galleons! I was betting that they loved each other all this time!" "…"
These snippets of loud conversations were often heard. It looked as if that the whole student population of the school were betting on the couple.
But the most noticeable change that one can percieve was the reactions, the Trio's friends made.
Ginny Weasley, the once calm red-headed girl, was gone. She was replaced by a new Ginny with a temper that can rival her mother's. She was practically jumping on top of the Gryffindor table screaming Bloody Murder. Then again, people were surprised -no, were shocked- when they saw Luna Lovegood without her usual dreamy-like state. She was positively howling into Ron Weasley's arms, who looked a little tense in having `Loony Lovegood' crying into his comforting arms. Neville, however, was a completely diferent matter. It appeared like he tried hard to stop himself from joining Ginny and climbing on top of the table screaming Bloody Murder. As a result, part of his body was lying on the table while the other half was dangling from the counter. He was also bawling like a child who lost his lollipop.
This went on for a few minutes until the Headmaster put his foot down.
"Silence," bellowed Albus Dumbledore, without the usual twinkle in his eyes.
The Great Hall instantaneously hushed down (with the exception of Ginny, who was in the procedure of calming herself until her screams were subdued into small whimpers). Perhaps, they were expecting him to explain further the revelations they've just discovered minutes ago.
"Sir, why didn't you stop Mister Potter from making a scene in front of the students? You are letting him tell such lies to the whole student population! Sir, I recommend that he be expelled from this school!" said Snape, who was already paling in utmost loathing of Potter.
"Severus, that'll be enough. And it was Ms. Granger who made known these `lies', not Mister Potter. -oh, Poppy? Please bring Miss Granger to the Hospital Wing while I do some explanations for the others- Now, if you may do me a favor, Severus, please sit down as I do an explanation which I think, would be the best thing to do right now.
The grumpy, greasy haired professor reluctantly sat down and followed suit to the other teachers who were listening attentively to the Headmaster.
<END OF FLASHBACK>
* * *
Hermione Granger broke out of her dream-like stance and was surprised to see that she was already facing the portrait of the Fat Lady. It seemed that her own feet brought her there subconsciously.
"Queerditch Marsh," she muttered.
The portrait opened and Hermione climb through. She could have sworn that she heard the Pink Lady whisper, "He'll come back for you, dear…"
* * *
The next day,
As soon as she prepared her things, the bushy haired Head Girl went down the girls' dormitory in her usual gloomy state. Ever since that fateful day, Hermione suddenly changed a lot. Her caring for her studies were beginning to decrease unlike before. Although her grades were still on top, her attitude for it was somehow changing. And that's when the teachers started to worry.
"What happened to the Ms. Perfect, Know-it-all, Cheerful student who we all knew?"
This question was usually followed by, `What happened to Harry Potter?'
Nevertheless, as usual, the Weasleys started to cheer her up to start the day, yet only receiving a faint smile from her. It was the only reaction they got aside from the sad face. No one dared to say Harry's name or anything which happened on that day. It was like an invisible rule that everyone immediately complied to when they were informed about the prophecy and everything.
But today, all things seemed to change.
It was Hermione's birthday.
Yes, her birthday.
And Harry was nowhere to be seen.
They've heard nothing from him except the note they've got from the Dark Lord's remains.
No one knew what'll happen next and the surprises they'd get as soon as the sun goes down.
Nobody knew.
Except one.
Or maybe two.
* * *
In the Headmaster's office,
Albus,
I suppose that you've known all along that I'm going to write a letter to you sooner or later. I knew that I could never escape the knowledge of my mentor. I always knew that you were expecting me to get back and you got your answer. I'll be returning later during the night. I must warn you not to tell the others about it. I want it to be a complete surprise.
I beg you not to tell her.
Have a nice day,
Harry
With twinkling eyes, Albus Dumbledore folded the letter and placed it in his drawer. Unconsciously, he stroked Fawkes head as he became lost in his own thoughts. But he did notice the door open as an elderly woman entered his office with an odd gleam in her eyes.
"He's back, isn't he?
The old man with long silver hair nodded his head and said softly, "Don't tell Miss Granger about this."
* * *
A few hours later,
[Lunchtime]
"Hello? Earth to Hermione Granger? Do we have to- oh, good. How nice of you to join us here," Virginia Weasley sarcastically informed her bushy haired friend.
Hermione smiled apologetically (or more like, grimaced), then listened more tentatively to her companions.
"Herms, it's your birthday today! You should be happy, you know? Don't be a spoilsport, I mean, your birthday happens only once! You've been like this since- since… Damn," Ron paused as he sighed heavily and muttered bitterly something distinguishable, "If only…"
Silence fell between the five of them and it remained like that before the silence was broken by a hoarse whisper made by Neville.
"Her- Hermione? You okay?"
Ginny and Ron stared at Hermione uncertainly and they became aware of the tears that threatened to leak from her eyes. They began to say something but it seems like they've decided against it.
The silence was again ruptured by Luna who was singing `Weasley is Our King' softly.
Then, without warning, she said, rather loudly, "He'll come back for you, that's for sure."
Luna said this almost believably until she told them, "Harry will make sure he comes here for you with his army of Vry Humple Humbacks which defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."
Ron, dismissing the thing about Vry Humply Dumplings, asked Luna sharply, "And how would you know something like that? About Harry going back to Hermione and such?"
"Well, I thought that would be obvious, Ronald. Harry loves her, and she loves Harry. It was quite clear that Harry only defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named for us. For Hermione. Haven't you figured that out already, Ronald?"
"…"
Suddenly, a loud cry of laughter escaped from their brown haired friend's mouth.
Ron, Ginny and Neville gawked at Hermione utterly shocked that they finally saw her smiling and laughing hard at something not entirely funny. Luna, however looked like she expected this all along and decided to laugh with Hermione too.
At this, she laughed harder at the reaction she got from her friends and it also caused some students to look in their direction. Then, a few minutes later, she wiped the tears that flowed from her eyes which were the result of her abrupt happiness.
"That was the funniest thing I've ever seen! R- Ron… you look so funny when Luna says something that leaves you speechless! HA! And Ne-Neville… you too… Haha!" then, Hermione choked and when she looked up, her eyes were suddenly filled with tears but it was as if nothing happened and she continued weakly, her eyes, flowing with tears.
"Then you, Luna… y- you" she stuttered weakly. "were funny… very funny, also you Ginny," she laughed feebly.
Ginny, who finally grasped the truth about Hermione's feelings right now, started to count from five to one.
`five…four… three… two…'
Hermione couldn't pretend any longer anymore. It looked like she was controlling herself and trying to stop another wave of tears and a moment later, she was in Ginny's awaiting arms.
The others, just breaking out of their shocked selves, sputtered out their concerns for her, realizing that she was once again drowning in the memories her mind was lost unto.
A moment later, Luna also stopped laughing and started to stare dreamily at something in the distance but not before sighing deeply and telling Hermione, "Have faith in him, Hermione…"
"I don't know, Luna… I don't know whether I'll still believe what you were saying- what they were all saying! All of you seem to know that he'll definitely be coming back for me and saying that I must not lose hope! But how long will I have to wait for him?! I admit that I'll wait for him but I don't know if it will be forever! I'm confused and you're making it more confusing for me!"
Luna left her dreamy state then said softly to Hermione, "We walk by faith, my friend… not by sight."
Then, once again, she returned to her mesmerized trance.
Hermione sniffed a little then she paused for a moment to apprehend the words Luna told her. She started to realize what she ought to do and slowly, her face brightened up by the genuine smile playing across her lips.
Ron, however, was still lost and was gaping at the others with confusion written on his face.
"Hey, will anyone here bother to tell me what's going on??"
Neville, raised an eyebrow at this and before he could even speak, Ginny beat him unto it.
"Ron, are you so dense that you couldn't even understand what they were talking about? It was so obvious that even gist like you can-"
Her brother, being told off by his younger sister, did not let her finish. His temper mounted up and before he could do anything, he found himself shouting.
"Oy! As if you were saying anything about it for us to comprehend what they were talking about! I was just asking what's going on and then- hey, you're younger than me and you have no right to say things like that to me! And, you sound like Hermione, Ginny… Miss Perfect, know-it all!"
Hearing this, their once smiling bushy-haired friend perked up and with an audible `humph!', she walked out of the Great Hall, her head held high.
Scowling, Ron said to the boy next to him, "Neville, remind me not to cross Hermione's path when it's the `time of the month'."
Ginny, hearing this, became extremely annoyed at her brother thus standing up and walking toward the Great Hall's doors also with her head held high.
"Oh, Neville wouldn't know when it is the time of the month… nevertheless, that was quite tactless, Ronald," said Luna seriously then she started to drift towards the Ravenclaw table.
Later on, the steaming Weasley glared at Neville as if urging him to say something.
"Well, she's right, mate. That was completely tactless," the round faced boy told him, shrugging his shoulders.
Ron, the usual temperamental guy he is, turned red and walked out of the Great Hall, following Ginny and Hermione's suit.
"People are getting stranger and stranger everyday."
* * *
(Hermione's POV)
*sigh*
Ron is the biggest prat I've ever been with in my whole life! God, I thought for a moment that I would be getting over Harry for the mean time and I'll be having a great time, when he suddenly said those things! What a git…
Hmm… I wonder… Why- How-
*sigh*
Why does they say that he's going back for me?
First, the Fat Lady. Then, Luna.
Oh, well.
Big deal. It's my birthday and I think I'm the saddest person alive. Maybe.
Holy crap! It's Transfiguration next and I'm 10 minutes late! Oh, never mind that. It's no work going in to that class without Harry in it…
*sigh*
At least I know that I have great faith in him.
For me, that's what really matters… right now.
* * *
Transfiguration class: (Minerva's POV)
She's late again. Poor girl.
Although she still kept her grades on the top, it was no doubt that her mind kept wandering around.
No wonder, I heard most of my students talk about Miss Granger behind her back, telling each other about how insane she is… I would rather believe that she was just reminiscing pleasant memories of her past. And after that shocking night, I, myself, was surprised of the sudden changes most of our students here have made especially the friends of our very own, Miss Granger.
Or maybe, like the others, I'm also beginning to succumb to the grief and pain that Miss Granger greatly feels.
Why, I couldn't even tell the girl to concentrate on her studies!
Hmmm.. nevertheless, it would be a great to see her with Mr. Potter again.
What am I thinking? I must focus on today's lesson. Now, about this basin…
* * *
"Settle down, settle down. Today, we would be discussing the formulae and the diagrams of Physics which should help us transfigure this basin," she indicated at the item in her desk, "into a goblet…"
* * *
Dinner.
Hermione and the others trudged along the entrance to the great hall, their minds on the dinner which awaited them in their respective tables.
She breathed out a sigh of relief as she sat down and started to fill her grumbling stomach. Her relief was short-lived, though. Since the moment she sat down, the whole Great Hall lapsed into a hushed silence.
Hermione instinctively looked up from her food then, almost abruptly, she felt her mind and body freeze. However, during those two seconds before her mental and physical functions stopped, there were two things her mind registered that caused her to be shocked.
First, there was an owl soaring above the students, finding its' way to a certain person. During dinner time. It wasn't usual to see an owl sending a letter during the night.
But this only caused Hermione to be surprised albeit.
What made her freeze was the next realization that dawned upon her.
Speaking of which, she realized it was white.
The owl, I mean. But its' color was more of snowy.
And was strangely familiar too.
It looks exactly like…
THE END!
A/N:
Review please… if you still want it to be continued!!
If I get enough reviews, I'll post the 3rd chapter!
And if not…
LOL.
Hehe.. I'm sooo evil.. ;p
BWAHAHAHAHA!! BWAHAHAHAHA!!
Oops… sorry. I kinda got carried away… ;p
~Lily
P.S. Are the characters OoC?