Of Love, Lords and Gods

BlueSora

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance, Action & Adventure
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 03/06/2004
Last Updated: 04/06/2004
Status: in_progress

It's been more than two years after Voldemort's defeat and the Light has reigned but evil still lurks. The trio and the others try to live as normal as possible and chase their dreams. They feel that everything is well in both Muggle and Wizarding world... but things worse than Voldemort or evil wizards are out there... biding their time... and getting ready to strike. (Mostly HP/HG romance, with a bit of RW/LL, DM/GW.)

Chapters

1. Prologue

2. Lunch with Harry

3. Memories

1. Prologue

Of Love, Lords and Gods: The Adventure of A Lifetime

Author: BlueSora

Prologue

***

June of 2000

-----

Everything was going just fine in Hermione Granger's life.

It was a cloudless day in June while a nineteen-year-old Hermione Granger sighed with content as she stepped out of the town Muggle library to take her lunch. She had been working in that library every summer ever since before her sixth year at Hogwarts. It wasn’t her permanent job, if that’s what you’re thinking. Her lifelong-desired career wasn’t to become a boring, uptight librarian (and she was definitely not boring or uptight). She just did it to spend her free time. She wanted to become the Head Director of the Research Department for the Seemingly Incurable Cases at St. Mungo’s. A long shot from her excellent skills as an Auror, but she decided that she wanted to help people in her own efficient way (as she used to say to Harry and Ron). She was just about to practice for her chosen career after taking a well-deserved vacation, but halfway during the school year of 2000 at Hogwarts (a year and a half after she graduated), Professor Flitwick met an unfortunate accident with one of his students, causing his advancement to a much-needed break.

Professor Dumbledore owled her immediately, saying that she was the only one available and best fit to substitute. She hesitantly accepted the job offer at first, but had continued teaching Professor Flitwick’s classes for the rest of that year all the same (and she found that she quite liked it). She was to resume teaching the following year. (Apparently, the injured professor was taking his sweet time recuperating.) Not that she was one to complain, she had enjoyed teaching very much, but that didn’t stop her yearning to start practicing for the career she had been dreaming of. She pondered on this for a while but her love for the school and its members over-ruled her desire to practice. Besides, she thought, she was still young and the teaching experience could be used to her advantage.

Now, here she was! Hermione Jane Granger, one of the “Extraordinary Trio”, aided in defeating Voldemort, female best friend of the famous Harry Potter – Boy-Who-Defeated-the-Dark-Lord (or should I say, He-Who-Now-Rots-Six-Feet-Under) –, and a substitute Charms teacher at the only and most prestigious magic school in Britain.

Every summer, she would make it a point to stay here in Muggle London for a while with her family and other relatives. Ever since her parents died, she and her younger siblings had lived under their grandparents' roof, bless them. All of her relatives had been very supportive, especially her friends. After the Second War and the Light Side's victory, everyone involved were determined to start anew.

***

She hummed a classical Muggle song as she walked towards the café. She didn’t ignore the friendly smiles that were sent her way as she passed. She wore her hair in a loose ponytail and was wearing a white cotton blouse, a soft floral knee-length skirt, and white sandals. She smiled back while trying to rearrange the bag she carried that contained mostly research work. Most of the people here in town had come to know her as the “friendly” librarian ever since she started working at the library. It was a friendly neighborhood, that’s why she had come to love it.

It was friendly, peaceful and quiet. Some of the most important things she had longed for.

She reached her destination after a ten-minute walk, and pushed the door to enter. It was a fairly-sized place, the walls were painted a creamy white and framed artworks, and photos were hung on it to give a pleasant effect. The small tables of four and two were scattered all around, painted a very light brown to blend well with the walls. It was supposed to give a homey atmosphere to the customers. The waitress behind the main counter (Jamie) who had come to know her, waved hello and gestured Hermione towards her usual table. She sat down and looked at the menu on the table, although she already knew all the dishes by heart. Jamie came over, holding a pen and paper, greeting Hermione with a bright smile on her face.

“So, are you having the usual today, miss?” Jamie asked. Hermione laughed.

“Jamie, how many times have I told you to call me Hermione?”

The perky waitress just chuckled and replied, “Just teasing.”

“I know, I know.” Hermione said while she tilted her head as if looking for someone. “You didn’t happen to meet someone looking for me here, did you?” she asked the waitress in the most nonchalant way she could muster.

The waitress raised an eyebrow and grinned, suddenly curious, “Oh, having a lunch date, are we? Who’s the lucky guy?” she teased.

“Oh, shut up! It’s not like that. He’s one of my best friends.” Hermione defended, although there was a slight tinge of pink in her cheeks.

“I see,” Jamie said, and there was a slight twinkle behind her eyes, “I’ll get your order then?”

Hermione paused, “No, I think I’ll wait for my friend first.”

Jamie grinned again, “Okay. You know where I am.” and the waitress headed off to entertain other customers.

Hermione shook her head. Honestly! Brushing the incident off, she checked her watch, as she grew more anxious over her meeting with Harry. She was really looking forward to this. She hadn’t been in contact with either of her two best friends for a few weeks now, due to their individual lives and careers. Oh, they would see each other often, definitely. But with Ron playing Keeper for the Chuddley Cannons and Harry with his numerous works at the Ministry, there were incidents when the three of them would have no contact with each other for the longest of times. Ron was currently on tour with his team, and Hermione was thankful that Harry had found time to squeeze in this meeting between his work. Hopefully, this day would turn out a lot better than she expected.

Yep, you could definitely say that Hermione Granger’s life was simply going smooth.

Little did she know… all of their lives were about about to turn upside down.

***

A/N: More will be unfurled in future chapters. :) Hope you enjoyed! Up next: Lunch with Harry

2. Lunch with Harry

Chapter summary: Hermione and Harry take lunch, and more information about the characters’ current lives are revealed. First part is mostly Harry’s POV.

Disclaimer: I don’t own any of these except the plot and the my original characters.

Author’s Notes: J. K. Rowling mentioned in her Q&A during World Book Day that Hermione was supposed to have a younger sister, right? Well, I sort of played out the idea in my mind to use in my story, but instead of a younger sister, a younger brother (with straight brown/sandy hair and big light brown eyes) kept popping in my head. I desperately wanted to stick with JKR’s idea, but a lot of good ones started forming in my head after I considered the other prospect. SO… what I did was I gave Hermione TWO younger siblings, meaning her siblings are fraternal twins. Much better, don’t you think? I know it sounds so unconventional but I didn’t want Hermione to be left totally alone when I killed her parents. (I’m evil (and a bit clichéd), I know. Don’t worry, though, I’ve got plans for them, even though their dead. :)

Chapter One: Lunch with Harry

***

Hopefully, this day would turn out a lot better than she expected.

***

A crack! like a whip was heard as Harry Potter Apparated in a deserted alley. He was careful, so as not to be seen by any Muggles. Clad in usual Muggle attire, he walked in the direction towards the café where he was supposed to have lunch with his best friend, Hermione Granger.

A soft ringing of the bell was heard has he pushed the door open, revealing the welcoming atmosphere of the place. Hermione told him and Ron about this place countless times but the three of them never really got around to eating here together. He had to admit it, though, the place really felt comfortable. It was almost full of people, although it was still a bit early. But what surprised him most was the way the customers treated each other. It was as if everybody knew each other. His eyes roamed around once and found the bushy-haired female he was looking for at a table, in the far corner of the café by the window. As if sensing that he was there, Hermione looked towards his direction and waved. He smiled as she gestured him to come and sit.

“Hey.” Harry said as he sat down opposite her, still smiling. “How’ve you been?”

“Good, actually.” Hermione replied and Harry noticed that she suddenly had a faraway look on her face.

The Second War had all changed them in some ways more than one. Some of them had even come to the point where they would lose all hope, but not Hermione. She had always been a source of strength for him and she was always there to soothe and comfort him. He had always thought that he was the only one who always got hurt… the only one who kept losing the people he loved. He hadn’t realized how wrong he was until he saw the pain Hermione went through when she lost her mother and father, and almost lost her whole family. How selfish he was in those days.

Hermione’s parents had died when they tried to protect Hermione’s younger brother and sister when Death Eaters attacked their home. It was mid-November during their seventh year, and the Order had called an urgent meeting (they had been considered as members in those times). Apparently, Voldemort decided that if he couldn’t attack Harry then he would attack those that Harry loved. Their plan was to kill and torture anyone emotionally close to Harry within reach, and during those times, rumors kept spreading that he was engaged to Hermione (when he wasn’t). Naturally, Voldemort wanted to get Hermione badly but he knew that she was going to be protected. So, he did the only thing a filthy scum like him would do. He ordered his Death Eaters to attack Hermione’s unprotected family. The Order got hold of the plan through their spies, and their forces hurriedly went to the Grangers’ rescue, but they were a minute too late.

Alex and Jane Granger had been hit with the Cruciatus Curse more than twice when they tried to shield their younger children from the attacks. All four of them had been hit but it was the father and mother who had received the strongest impacts. The Order, together with Harry, Ron and Hermione fought off the Death Eaters, and immediately aided Hermione’s siblings. The following events had almost been unbearable, even thinking of it would cause a wrenching in Harry’s heart until now. He could only imagine what Hermione felt every time she remembered it.

“I’m still working at the library for the summer, and I’ll be back to teach Charms at Hogwarts this coming school year. You?” Hermione asked, smiling while trying to keep her voice low.

“Not as busy as before, thank Merlin. Things are starting to loosen up the Ministry.” Harry glanced sideways and saw some people staring inquiringly towards their direction. “Do you think they can hear us?” He asked.

Hermione laughed softly and waved her hand dismissively, “No, that’s not their business and they know that.” She then smiled slyly and continued, “They’re just curious on who could be the intriguingly good looking man that their local librarian is going to have lunch with.”

Harry blushed but he raised an eyebrow, “I would hardly call you boring, and I’m an intriguingly good looking man now, am I?” he asked with his boyish grin.

Hermione gasped mockingly and put a hand to her chest, her eyes wide but laughing, “Are you implying, Mr. Potter, that I find you attractive?”

Harry leaned forward, hands folded on the table and looked straight in her eyes, “I don’t know. Do you?” he asked, his own eyes darkening slightly with sudden intense emotion.

Hermione got lost for a while, looking into his eyes, trying to think about what she was going to reply.

It was moments like these when the seemingly full of retort Hermione Granger would become speechless and undeniably mystified. It was moments like these when something would suddenly pop and interrupt, and they would both snap back to the present looking quite guilty. In this case, it was Jamie the waitress.

“Are you both ready to order?” She said cheerfully while looking back and fort Harry and Hermione, all the while becoming curious.

And so, the gaze of the two broke apart, Harry suddenly taking interest in the menu for the first time and Hermione fumbling something on her lap. Apparently, she found that something very interesting.

Harry groaned inwardly, mentally scolding himself. Stupid prat! Of all places!

Hermione regained her composure and cleared her throat, “I’ll just have my usual, Jamie.” She smiled at the waitress.

“I’ll just have coffee and the biggest, most special dish you have.” Harry looked up at Jamie and smiled too.

Hermione couldn’t help noticing that Jamie smiled flirtatiously back. What? Hermione shook her head.

“You’ll have it in a few minutes!” Jamie once again said cheerily, never taking her eyes off Harry while she walked away.

Her cheeriness is starting to get annoying. Hermione thought (just a bit) bitterly as she glared at a spot of dirt on the table.

What? She shook her head again.

“Hermione, are you alright?” Harry asked, his brows knitted together. She kept shaking her head, and kept crossing and uncrossing her legs under the table. It’s wasn’t very spacious down there, mind you, it was starting to seriously distract him.

Hermione snapped back to reality, “Oh, uh, of course. Have you heard from Ron lately?” She asked, trying to brush away the past few minutes. She was trying to talk to him naturally again.

Harry smiled, trying to relieve Hermione out of her misery, “His tour with the Chuddley Cannons is almost over, in case you didn’t know. I’m glad. I’ll finally have someone to share my place again. It’s huge and empty without you guys there.” He said, leaning back in his chair, his voice barely being able to hide his sadness.

Hermione looked at him in sympathy, “Oh, Harry… why don’t you just get someone to rent it with you? Or much better, why don’t you just get yourself a girlfriend?” She said earnestly.

Harry had to hide his hurt. Great. Just great. Smooth move, Potter. If she only knew…

He snorted, hoping she was convinced, “You know I can’t.”

“Here are your orders.” It was another waitress, Jamie was off entertaining other customers. Their chat was momentarily paused as they busied themselves with their food.

Hermione looked at him quizzically, “And why not?” she asked, and couldn’t help but roll her eyes and draw out an exasperated breath,

“Not every woman on this earth is after your fame and money, Harry.” She leaned forward and gestured with her hands, “You just have to give them a chance, that’s all.”

Harry didn’t look convinced so Hermione continued, “You aren’t seriously considering the prospect of actually being the last Potter, are you?” she asked, smiling slightly.

Harry sighed and picked up his fork. This is getting difficult. Why don’t I just tell her? No! You know it’s too soon. Not yet. He sighed again. Maybe I should just consider what she’s saying.

“Fine then, Ms. Granger, I’ll open myself up to that advice.” Harry finally said.

***

After an hour, the two exited the café. Both refreshed from their lunch and chat, they headed towards the park to take a walk. Hermione had her hands behind her back while Harry carried her bag with one hand, the other inside his pockets.

“What time do you usually go home when you work at the library?” He asked.

“There’s no exact time, really. I just make sure that I’m home not more than a few hours after lunch. But I have this afternoon free so I don’t have to come back until tomorrow.” She paused, contemplating, “I try to be home as much as possible. I can’t let my grandparents take total charge of Michael and Kate’s lives. I have to be part if it too.” She said and there was a slight grim determination in her voice.

Harry looked sideways at her, “Hermione, nobody’s going to take them away from you… anymore.” He added the last word as an afterthought. Hermione looked straight ahead.

“Let’s talk about something else, shall we?” Hermione said it like a statement.

“Fine.” Harry said. A slightly awkward pause followed as he tried to think of another topic.

“Ron and Luna are together again.” He finally blurted out.

Hermione smiled, “I’ve been wondering about those two. I thought they knew better than to stay away from each other for too long.”

Ron Weasley and Luna Lovegood were Hogwarts’ “sweetest and most unique couple”, as Parvati and Lavander put it. It started during their sixth year, continuing on until now. It was a bit unbelievable for Harry and Hermione at first because as well as everybody knew back then, Ron would rather kiss a Skrewt than get closer to Luna. But because fate had other plans, romance bloomed and that’s how they are now. They’re relationship had one drawback, however, they kept breaking up then getting back together. Hermione knew they were both helplessly in-love but both of them were too scared of what they were feeling that sometimes one of them would hold back.

“Tell me what the other Weasleys have been up to.” Hermione prodded Harry. They were almost at the park now.

Harry sighed and smiled. He always did this when they were together. Smiling, that is. “Well, Bill is in France right now, with Fleur, no less. He’s doing more treasure hunting for Gringotts. Charlie’s still in Romania, he dropped by my office last week to show me some new propositions for dragon breeding. As if he thinks I’d believe that excuse.” He chuckled.

Hermione turned her head, brows knitted together, “Why?” she asked.

Harry grinned, “He’s dating someone from the Office. I don’t know her name yet but I’ve got a pretty good guess who it is.”

“Really?” Hermione’s eyes widened and she laughed, "Wow." She said, smiling.

It was common knowledge to the Weasley family and to those who knew them that Charlie had never even once had a girlfriend after he graduated at Hogwarts. They didn’t question his sexuality but Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had been seriously worried for the past few years if their children were ever going to get married and have their own children. The loving couple still lives at the Burrow with their youngest daughter, Ginny who was still fresh from graduation. It came to everybody’s surprise, however, that Fred and George (Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes becoming a huge success) became both engaged last year; to Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell. They hadn’t set a date yet but both parties stated that they were in no hurry whatsoever.

They were at the park now. Children were scattered all around and some adults were seated at the benches. They didn’t notice the adoring looks that some people gave them as they passed. They found an empty bench beside a couple of trees and promptly sat on it.

***

TBC

3. Memories

A/N: Thank you SO much to those who reviewed! :) To ShootingStar, MissLexiRe, swimchick1614, Katakali and Hermione Pheonix. Thanks for all your reviews. :) You guys made my day. ::grin::

Sorry if there isn't much action (verbal and non-verbal)... yet. I'm still trying to build it up through thoughts. :) Don't worry, it'll progress.

Chapter Summary: We’ll have a glimpse of Michael and Kate, Hermione's back at Hogwarts, and some sinister and not so sinister plans and surprises are abound.

Chapter Two: Memories

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Harry and Hermione sat in comfortable silence as they took in the park’s pleasant atmosphere. The sun was shining brightly and a satisfying breeze passed as small children were running back and forth, enjoying the glorious weather. They were seated a couple of inches apart, Hermione’s bag seated between them. Harry was successfully fighting the urge to take her hand and hold it. Hermione was the first one to speak.

“What time are you going back to work?” She asked.

There was a pause before Harry replied, “I can go back anytime I want, actually.”

Hermione turned her head towards him and smiled, “Would you like to have tea at my house before going?”

“Gladly.” Harry replied with a grin.

------------------------------------

As Harry and Hermione arrived at the Granger’s front porch, they heard fumbling noises coming from inside. Hermione just raised her her eyebrows and rang the bell. After a few more fumbling, mumbling and scuffling noises were heard, the door was finally opened, revealing two trying to be innocent-looking eleven-year-olds.

The girl was an inch shorter than the boy, her hair as bushy as Hermione’s when she was that age, except that it was a darker shade of brown and she wore it in pigtails. The boy had short hair, of course, much like the shade of Hermione’s but it shared the same unkempt look like Harry’s. The two kids, barely reaching Harry’s chest, were looking at the two adults with wide peanut colored eyes.

“Hello!” They greeted with bright smiles.

Harry and Hermione shared bemused looks as they stepped inside.

“Hullo to you too, Michael.” Harry laughed as he used his free hand to dishevel the boy’s already mistreated hair.

“Hey!” the boy jokingly protested while the girl, Kate, laughed.

More laughter was heard as the group headed to the kitchen, Michael and Kate bombarding Harry with questions.

“Where’ve you been?” Michael asked eagerly.

“You haven’t visited us in an awfully long time.” Kate said with a bit of disappointment.

“Where’s Ron?” Michael asked.

“Have you got a picture of any of those Midentors yet?” Michael asked.

“It’s Dementors.” Kate corrected.

“I know.” Michael said off handedly. “So, how’s Uncle Fred and Uncle George?” he continued asking.

“You didn’t bring us any wizard candy, did you?” It was Kate this time.

Harry held up his hands as they settled themselves at the kitchen table. “One at a time!” he admonished with a chuckle.

Hermione turned to Harry and the two impatient kids. The three were seated at the small round kitchen table. Michael and Kate were seated across Harry while he answered their previous questions one by one animatedly. The two had grown inevitably close with most of Hermione’s friends after their parents died, and undeniably very, very close to Harry. It was him that rescued them from the dark hole they locked themselves in after the tragedy. It was Harry who made them realize that there was still life after loss. It was Harry who helped them until their full recovery. It was Harry who gave them hope to start a new life. It was Harry who stayed by their side always.

At first, Hermione knew that Harry did it because he felt guilty. He felt guilty for all of it. However, as he spent more and more time with the twins, she guessed that they had formed a special bond with each other. Tears stung her eyes as she looked at them now. They wouldn’t have gotten through without him. She wouldn’t have gotten through without him. The foundation she built, crashed after her parents died and siblings injured, rebuilt with her friends’ help, was threatened to fall again when they almost lost him after he defeated Voldemort. Even Michael and Kate, who barely moved in the early days, went as fast as they could to his side. The defeat of the Dark Side had given everyone new beginnings.

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September 14, 2000

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

- - - - -

Hermione sighed as she walked away from the Charms corridor, her footsteps echoing through the deserted vicinity, and her dark blue robes billowing behind her as she did. Teaching the first, second and third years in succession today had been very trying. Only two weeks had passed since school had begun and already she was feeling fatigue. Not because she was tired of teaching, but because she had been having a hard time getting enough sleep during the past few nights. She would always have the strange feeling of dreaming about something… something significant. But she couldn’t remember a thing every time she woke up. She guessed it was just because she lazed around too much for the summer, and her body needed getting used to the new schedule again. She sighed once more. She just wished she’d get a decent night’s sleep.

She finally reached the tower to her chambers. It was a small one compared to the one beside it, which was Gryffindor Tower, but it’s rooms were anything but small. It composed of a bathroom with toilet, shower, and bath, a bedroom with a comfortable four poster bed, in colors of scarlet and gold of course. A small common room was also there, just a small one with a comfortable couch, a low table and a fireplace, papers and all sorts of paraphernalia were a bit scattered on the table as she murmured a spell to create a fire. She walked through the carpeted floor, sat down on the couch heavily, and closed her eyes. She was really sleepy… but the back of her mind kept nagging her that there was something she had forgotten. What was it? She yawned and settled herself in a lying position on the couch. She was even too tired to change into her sleeping garments or go to the bedroom.

Hmmm… maybe tomorrow.

And she promptly drifted off to sleep.

- - - - -

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Hermione moaned and turned. Was she dreaming? She groaned. Tap dancing? A couple of more soft ‘tap’s were heard as she slowly opened her eyes. She moaned again, now in frustration. She couldn’t have been asleep that long, now, could she? Now she could faintly hear a clicking, and a hoot. Wait a minute… a hoot? The noises continued as she slowly roused herself.

Tap!

“What the bloody hell?” She muttered. She sat up straight and looked around. Her grogginess only minimum because of the now loud noises. She looked towards the window and found a large, snowy white owl looking directly at her, clearly looking more frustrated at the effort of waking her.

“Oh!” Hermione exclaimed and sat up straight. It was Hedwig! She could see three more owls behind her, all looking a bit haggard. She hurriedly stood up and practically ran towards the window to open it. All of them flew as hurriedly towards the couch, their packages landing with a soft thump. She conjured a large bowl of water with her wand and placed it on the floor. The owls gratefully flew to it, obviously forgiving her for making them wait.

She knelt down beside them and gently stroked Hedwig. “I’m sorry.” She murmured. Hedwig looked at her and just clicked her beak, her amber eyes accepting. Hermione smiled.

She silently observed the other three owls with her hands on her knees. One was a medium-sized brown barn owl, probably from Ron, she thought. Pig was still too small to carry packages. The other one was a large grayish black eagle owl. Draco… and probably Ginny too, she tilted her head and smiled.

Draco had worked together with Professor Snape, becoming spies for the Order. The ‘accidental’ death of Narcissa Malfoy had triggered his sudden retribution near the end of their sixth year. She remembered it clearly.

All of them had highly doubted his motives except maybe for Dumbledore and Snape. She had kept an open mind but still… who would even think it? Draco Malfoy! That name wasn't easily acqauinted with anything good. He refused to talk to any of the other members at first, confiding only to Dumbledore, and sometimes Lupin, surprisingly. Harry and the Weasleys had all their bets that Malfoy was going to bite their backs like a snake anytime. Except Ginny. Yes, except Ginerva Molly Weasley. Hermione saw them talking once, quite comfortably she had noted, amused. Both of them had stared at her like two innocent children caught stealing candies. She had just laughed it off to assure Ginny that her brothers wouldn't find out but apologized all the same for intruding.

In time, though, Draco was gradually accepted, not after a heroic act in the Second War was he fully accepted by the Weasleys. She didn’t have that much of a hard time. She knew there was a hidden personality somewhere inside him that just needed to be encouraged. Harry and Ron were a different story, though, especially Ron. Finding out that Draco was secretly dating his youngest and only sister was in no way a help to ebb his contempt.

Now… well... now was different. They were officially adults and too much had happened to let childish anger get in the way of decency. All of them had learned to at least become friends, which was a huge relief. They would get together at least a couple of times a month, exchanging friendly banters and catching up. It was good.

She was distracted from her thoughts as she looked at the third owl. It was brown, a bit on the lumpy side, but what really got her attention was it’s orange wing feathers. Orange? She chuckled. She was positive it was from Luna Lovegood.

She stood up and went to the couch to open the packages. She wondered what could’ve caused this. She sat down and got the first letter with the fine angular script. The one from Harry.

Dear Hermione,

Happy Birthday!

She paused, slapping her forehead with one hand. That’s what it was! She loudly laughed at herself. She had forgotten her birthday, of all things! She leaned her back at the couch and continued reading with a wide grin plastered on her face.

How are you? I know it’s been awhile but did you really think I’d forget your birthday? You’re twenty, finally! I hope you didn’t get yourself too worked up today. Sorry I wasn’t able to drop by in person. I figured you’d be in class and everyone would be distracted. Ron just arrived last week, I reckon you already received his letter. He said he’d send his gift with his own owl. I'm a bit nervous about my gift even though Malfoy said I picked the best gift I could find.

I hope you’re doing great. Send my regards to Dumbledore and the other professors.

Again, Happy Birthday!

Harry

She put down the letter with a smile, her heart feeling a whole lot lighter. She would open the other packages tomorrow, she decided. What she needed now was rest. She headed towards her bedroom, changed her clothes and crawled under the soothing covers. Tonight she looked forward to a good night’s sleep.

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“Albus?”

Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, was sitting on his chair in his round office. His elbows were on the table, his hands raised one above the other where his head rested, his eyes closed.

There was a long moment of silence as Minerva MacGonagall, Hogwart’s Headmistress waited for her companion’s answer. Finally, Dumbledore opened his eyes, for once showing the signs of aging… and a bit of tiredness. MacGonagall clasped her hands together in anxiety.

“Yes, I’m afraid Minerva. It has begun.”

-------------------------------------------

TBC

Up Next: Catastrophes.