Ch 13 Chasing a Ghost
Harry opened his eyes and his jaw dropped in disbelief. The soaring, majestic walls of the library that represented Hermione's mind looked as if they had been firebombed. Smoking craters surrounded him on the grounds in front of the massive oak doors. One of the doors lay in splinters in the entryway while the other sagged on one surviving hinge. Even the massive stone walls bore massive scorch marks and impact indentations from catapult boulders. One wall slumped and seemed ready to collapse-Harry could see evidence of the tunnels that had been dug to undermine the wall.
"Oh, Hermione! What did they do to you?! " he thought with anguish.
In disbelief, Harry walked forward through the damaged entryway. Passing through the outer hallway Harry entered another large doorway and walked past another pair of heavy wooden doors lying ten feet inside the main chamber where they had been blown inward. Shock and despair filled Harry's face as he gazed at the smoldering ruins of shelves and books that lay strewn everywhere. Whatever had broken into Hermione's mind had attempted to destroy everything. Everything that made up Hermione. Struggling to control his mounting fear and anger, Harry looked for one of the exits and broke into a run, shouting out Hermione's name.
---
As Harry's body began to shake, Molly moved forward but then stopped as Dumbledore grabbed her arm.
"There is nothing more we can do right now for either of them. All we can do is wait and pray for the best." Dumbledore's gaze swept the room, glancing at first Molly, then Arthur, and then the Grangers. Dumbledore paused for a moment and then concentrated intently with his eyes closed.
" Saldar, the Healers did not seem too optimistic about Hermione's chances. They have never seen anything like this. Can you provide me any more information about the condition of either Hermione or Harry? "
" I am truly sorry, Master Dumbledore. There is not much more information I canst add than I hath already given thee. I failed to recognize the grave danger that Mistress Granger was in until the Yonnua actually attacked her. It was a devastating mental attack-I fear that any assistance I may have been able to render came too late. From what I hath seen, the attack destroyed everything-I do not know whether her mind remaineth whole or no. I sense that Master Potter continues to seek her, but I have not encountered him as yet. "
" If anything new develops, please inform me immediately, Saldar. "
" Of course. Again, you have my deepest apologies. "
" It is not your fault, Saldar. Nobody is to blame. "
When Dumbledore opened his eyes again, he found that everyone in the room was looking at him expectantly. "I apologize, I was unable to learn anything new about Hermione's condition. All I know is that Harry is still looking for Hermione to try and help her." Dumbledore's shoulders drooped as he leaned back in his chair.
---
Three floors up, Harry gasped for breath and then halted as he saw a shadowy figure at the end of the hallway slowly approaching him.
" Hermione! Is that you? "
" No, Master Potter. It is Saldar. I am here seeking Mistress Granger as well. Hast thou had any luck? "
Harry squinted at the thin figure walking towards him. Long black hair hung over his face, partially hiding sharp, piercing eyes. The angular features and confident, powerful movements seemed to remind him of something or somebody, but Harry couldn't place it. He shook his head to focus on the task at hand.
" No, I haven't seen anything but destruction. Not a sign of Hermione."
" Master Potter, I know that ye both hath strong feelings for thee other, but I fear… "
" Shut up! Don't talk like that! If you want to give up, fine! Then go! But I'm not leaving until I find her. "
" No, Master Potter. I wish to assist ye if I canst. We canst cover more ground if we part ways. "
" Fine, I'll look this way. " Harry turned to walk off angrily, then paused. " I will find her, Saldar. I will. "
To himself, Saldar quietly replied, " I pray that ye do, Master Potter. For both thine sakes. " He then redoubled his own efforts in the other direction.
---
Hours had passed, but nobody had left Ginny's room. Ginny had brought up sandwiches, but they remained untouched on the plate. Molly and Mrs. Granger were the only ones awake, the rest of the men appeared to be sleeping. They sat together, talking quietly, though their eyes never left the bed where the two teenagers still lay quietly.
Behind Dumbledore's closed eyes, he kept in constant contact with Saldar. Though it did not show on his face, he was growing increasingly worried about Hermione's condition. He could only hope that Harry was having more luck than Saldar.
---
Harry felt like he had been through every corridor and room on all five floors, but he knew he was missing something. She had to be here somewhere! She just had to be. Harry couldn't bear to consider the alternatives. Harry sat and thought for a moment, then he returned downstairs to the massive library. He knew he was missing something and it was nearly driving him crazy. Stomping amidst the wreckage of the library floor, Harry moved towards the only area that was somewhat clear of debris. Here there were several large tables and a couple of comfortable chairs near a large fireplace. On one side of the fireplace stood a large mirror with several cracks marring its otherwise smooth surface. Harry turned one of the chairs right side up and sat down to think.
He tried to picture this area just as Hermione would have been using it. He could see stacks and stacks of books threatening to spill off of the heavy tables behind him. He envisaged a low fire burning in the fireplace, providing enough light for Hermione to sit in one of the overstuffed chairs and enjoy whatever book she had decided to read. The only thing that did not really fit was the mirror. Hermione had never really worried too much about her appearance-she was simply not vain that way like many of the girls her age. So why was it here? Staring at it, Harry thought. Well, one could have a fairly good look at the room behind you. But then why a tall mirror on the wall? Why not one on top of the mantel, where it could also reflect the light back into the room? Unless it was more than just a mirror.
Harry sprang out of his chair and moved closer to inspect the mirror. His hands searched the frame, looking for a hidden mechanism that might open it up, like a door. Then he simply tried to pull it off the wall. No good.
" Of course! " he berated himself. " She's a witch, so it must be a magical door! Maybe a password or something."
Standing in front of the mirror, he began reciting every sweet he could think of. Nothing. " Hmmm. Probably not a Quidditch term, either. Crookshanks? Nothing. SPEW? Nothing. Hmm, this could take a while. "
An hour later, Harry had exhausted every term he could think of related to her classes, their various adventures, and her favorite spell books and Muggle novels. Still nothing happened. More out of frustration than any expectation that they might work, he had even put together several colorful phrases that he had picked up from Ron and the twins. These only seemed to make the cracks in the mirror worse.
"Trelawney's a fraud! Snape's a git! Voldemort's a wanker!" he shouted at the mirror. Still nothing.
Standing in front of the mirror, he leaned his head against it as he felt the tears begin to run down his cheeks. As he slowly began to beat against the mirror with the flat of his palms, his hands slowly curled into fists and began to pound the mirror with increasing force. As the mirror began to spiderweb with new cracks, drops of blood began to drop from his lacerated knuckles. Harry continued to pound the mirror as sobs wracked his body. He was oblivious when Saldar returned to the library to watch with pity as Harry began to scream with anguish, calling out to Hermione.
---
This time, Dumbledore's restraining hand could not halt Molly as she grabbed one of Ginny's shirts and tore it into strips which she then began wrapping around Harry's raw and bleeding hands. There was no mistaking the anguish in his tense posture or the shouts that escaped his lips. There was no reaction from Hermione, and Molly did her best to keep Harry's blood off of her face. If possible, the reaction of Mrs. Granger was even more heartrending. She slumped limply against her husband-her body seemed lifeless. She would have slid to the floor if he hadn't held her tightly. It was as if watching Harry's frustration reinforced to her, and to all of them, the hopelessness of Hermione's situation.
---
His anger spent, Harry kneeled in front of the bloody mirror, his palms and forehead resting against its shattered surface.
" Hermione! If you can hear me, please, answer me. I know you're here somewhere. And I will find you. But I need your help. I need you. I love you, Hermione. I can't bear the thought of living without you. Please! Help me find you. "
Nothing. Nothing at all. The silence seemed deafening. The emptiness around him matched the hollowness he felt deep inside. There was nothing left of his precious Hermione. He would never see her beautiful face again, see that wonderful look of concentration as she studied a new spell, the way she bit her lip as she slowly committed it to memory, or that bright flash of joy in her eyes when she cast it successfully. No more rows with Ron, or encouragement to read…
"Hogwarts, A History," he said in a voice thick with emotion.
The shards of glass disappeared, and all that remained was what appeared to be a shimmering, transparent veil.
With a grin and a glimmer of hope, Harry stood and pushed against it, trying to pass through it. Instead, he was flung backward flat on his back, skidding on the floor before bumping up against a tabletop.
In a flash of anger, he regained his feet and drew his wand. "Damn! A banishing charm!? Hermione! I'm here to help you!" As he prepared to charge forward again, Saldar's hand on his shoulder held him fast.
" A moment, Master Potter. Canst thou feel it? "
" Feel what? I can't feel anything? "
" Then wait until thou canst. "
" What are you getting at Saldar? "
" I pray thee, listen close Master Potter. The entire time we have been seeking for Mistress Granger, not once have I felt her presence. Not a trace. As if only the dried out husk remained of a once golden stalk of wheat. Until now. Until ye discovered the door behindst the mirror. I wast sore afraid that after the Yonnua's mental attack, there would be nothing left of Mistress Granger. Yet something of her hath survived. That's why I'm begging ye to rein in thy temper. Thou hast found her sanctuary. Now we have but to discover the manner by which we may bring her back out safely. "
" What are you talking about? I'll just go in and get her. "
"NOOOO! Listen, Master Potter. Take a good glance around. The Yonnua took that approach. It would appear that Mistress Granger's mental defenses held long enough for her, or some part of her, to escape destruction. But she most likely will not recognize me, and she may not recognize thee. Instead of friends coming to her aid, she may view us only as another foe trying to attack her. We dare not be seen as aggressive lest we drive her away or destroy whatever is left of her. We must exercise patience and great care, Master Potter. Even the most powerful, disciplined mind can still be extremely fragile."
Harry looked at Saldar and for the first time, seemed to notice the blood on his hands. Wiping them on his pants, he took deep, long breaths as he thought out his next move.
---
Molly was the first to notice that the bleeding had slowed and that Harry's body had relaxed. She was also the first to notice that the room was becoming colder and drier. Her eyes caught Dumbledore's look and she quickly left the room.
Dumbledore opened the windows as Molly returned with armfuls of blankets.
"If you wish to remain in here with Harry and Hermione, I suggest you wrap yourself in several of these. I believe it will be getting very chilly in a few moments."
The Grangers looked at Dumbledore with puzzlement obvious in their faces. Dumbledore was silent for a minute, and when he opened his eyes again, there was a hint of a sparkle in them. Whatever thoughts he had, he kept to himself, unsure of the meaning for the change, and unwilling to prematurely and perhaps mistakenly raise the hopes of the family members around him. Despite the warm breeze blowing in from the window, he noticed how he could see his breath in the chilly air. He took three blankets for himself and watched as the Weasleys and Grangers quickly followed his example.
---
Standing in front of what used to be the mirror, Harry slowly raised his hands towards the shimmering curtain. Anticipating the force that would repel him as soon as he touched it, when it came he redirected it sideways, along the wall rather than pushing it away from him. As he did so, he felt the force against him increase. Rather than resist it, he redirected it sideways, and added some of his own power to it. In his mind's eye, he imagined how the library used to be, and focused on that image with all his might. Oblivious to the changes occurring around him, Harry remained perfectly still as the perspiration ran in small rivulets down his face to soak his clothing. After what felt like hours but could have been merely minutes, Harry's body began to shake with the effort of directing the powerful magical forces rebuilding the library around him. As he collapsed to his knees, he was unaware when Saldar jumped forward trying to reach him before he fell. Then Harry fell forward through the veil.
" Master! "
" I'm fine, just a little tired. I'm through the veil. I'll go look for Hermione. You wait for us here. "
" Art thou sure? "
" Yeah. You said she might not recognize you. I think I have a better chance. Let's not make it too tough on her. "
" Very well. Good luck. "
" Thanks. "
As Harry looked up from where he had sprawled forward on his hands and knees, he groaned to see a flight of stairs climbing upward out of sight.
" That figures. " He sighed and wearily began climbing the stairs, feelings of fear and hope raging in his heart.
---
Everyone sat huddled in their blankets with huge cups of hot cocoa warming their numb hands. Dumbledore was the first to notice when the temperature once again climbed above freezing. "I believe this is a change for the better, but it is much too soon to tell for sure."
As the temperature continued to rise, he signaled to Molly, and she began pulling off some of the heavier blankets she had thrown over the pair.
---
Bumping his head against the roof, Harry muttered Lumos to help him find the latch to open the trap door. Moving slowly, anticipating another forceful resistance, he was surprised when it swung open easily. Rising softly, he let out a low gasp. The room was beautiful. And it was untouched! He found himself in what appeared to be a tall tower with a magnificent view of the stars and constellations, much brighter and more beautiful than any he had ever seen before in his life, even at Hogwarts. It was a large circular room with a fireplace on one side, and windows on every other wall. There were several comfortable chairs, several small desks with a few books on them, and a small table with what appeared to be cookies and crackers on it, along with a few bottles of juice.
Looking around quickly, he focused on the low fire burning at the edge of the room. As he moved closer, he noticed some chestnut colored hair spilling over the side of one of the chairs. He approached slowly, remembering anxiously what Hermione had discovered in circumstances somewhat similar. Bracing himself for the worst, he turned and gasped at what he saw.
It was Hermione, just as beautiful as she had ever appeared to him. With her legs tucked up under her and a book open in her lap, she looked like she had simply fallen asleep in the Gryffindor common room studying for an exam. As he approached her, he noticed the pale shade of her skin, but she appeared to be breathing deeply, as if sound asleep. He reached to take the book from her lap, and closed it, smiling as he read the title, Hogwarts, A History.
He softly traced the curve of her cheek with his fingers but got no reaction. Picking Hermione up in his arms, he sat down, returning the favor she had done for him only several months earlier. Rocking her slowly, his tears fell on her face as he gently brushed her hair.
" Oh, Mione! Did I get here too late? Please wake up and come back to me, Hermione. Please be OK. "
Looking down at her sweet, angelic face, Harry leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. For a moment, he swore he saw something in her face change. But then it was gone. So he leaned down and kissed her again. This time her eyes fluttered. So he leaned in and gave her another kiss. This time her eyes snapped open and then she pushed Harry's face away with both hands.
" Let me catch my breath for a moment, Harry! "
At the shocked and slightly hurt look on his face, she added. " There, I've caught my breath. Please continue. "
With an enormous grin on his face, Harry happily obeyed.
---
With the room temperature back to normal and the heavy blankets removed, Molly and Mrs. Granger noticed that Hermione's face no longer appeared as pale. In fact, it seemed to be slightly pink. When Harry moved, for the first time in hours, and kissed Hermione briefly on the lips, the shade of pink blossomed quickly into bright crimson. Apparently still asleep, Harry moved his head back to rest on her shoulder, and for the first time since she had been brought to the house, Hermione moved as well. She rolled to her side to lean her forehead against Harry's head, her other hand reached over to lay on top of the hand that held hers, and a huge smile spread contentedly on her face.
Clearing his throat quite loudly, Dumbledore voiced what everyone thought. "Well, I believe this is definitely a positive sign." With his eyes twinkling once again, he stood. "I believe I will now have one of those sandwiches Miss Weasley was so good to prepare for us." He then sat back in his chair, munching contentedly.
---
Simply happy to hold her in his arms, Harry stared dreamily at the fire.
" Thanks for rescuing me, Harry. Again. "
" No problem, love. Just returning the favor. Are you OK? How do you feel? "
" Kind of groggy, to tell you the truth. And some things are kind of fuzzy-it's kind of hard to explain. "
" Well, I can tell you that the rest of the library was a real mess. We don't have to talk about it now, if you don't feel up to it. "
" No, that's alright, Harry. There's not much to say, really. I was walking along with Katie, and we were just discussing what an absolute prat Ron can be, when all of a sudden she grabbed me by the back of the neck and there was this blinding pain in my head. It felt like she was trying to suck out all of my memories. I tried to stop her, but it was like she was already everywhere in my head before I even knew what happened. I fought as best as I could, but knew I couldn't last very long. That's when I called out to you, and then I guess I just shut down. I focused on one specific memory, one piece of me that I could protect. And I hung on to it with everything I had. "
" Let me guess. When you got your invitation letter to Hogwarts? "
" Nope. "
" When you got your OWL results and the prefect badge? "
" No. "
" Oh, I know. It was when you went to the Yule ball with Krum. But before Ron shot off his mouth and ruined that memory for you. "
" Harry…Ohh, you're never going to guess. It was when you skipped out of the infirmary to have a picnic lunch down by the lake with me. After we flew around the castle for awhile, you brought back enough food to feed all of Gryffindor House and we just sat there, not really doing anything, not worrying about anything, but we were just together. And it was perfect. "
" Really?! "
" Yes, now don't make fun, Harry. "
" I wasn't, honest. I guess if I would have had to focus on one memory it would have been when you sat there with me in front of the fire, and I looked and felt horrible after all the spells I had cast in defeating Voldemort and you said that you would never leave me, no matter what. That you didn't care what I looked like or even if I never got better-but that you would stay with me no matter what. That would be the memory I would hold onto. "
" Oh, Harry, I love you! " as she reached up and gave him another loving kiss.
A minute later, Harry huskily replied, " As much as I would love to stay here and continue, I think there are some other people who would love to see you as well. Come on, let's go. " When Hermione climbed out of his lap, she reached down to pull Harry up and noticed that his hands were bloody.
" Harry! What happened?! "
"I had sort of a rough time finding you. I took some frustrations out on your mirror."
"Really? I thought the password was rather obvious. I made it very easy. Probably too easy. Maybe I'll change it and make it more difficult. Perhaps an algorithm of… "
" What, History, A Hogwarts? Yeah, Hermione, bloody easy password to figure out, " thought Harry sarcastically.
" So tell me how you found me Harry. "
By the time they reached the bottom of the stairs, Harry had finished telling his side of the story. As they stepped through the window portal, Saldar gave them a huge hug of greeting.
" Saldar? " muttered Hermione hesitantly.
" Yes, Mistress Granger. I am overjoyed to see thee well. We have all been deeply troubled with worry over thee. "
" I think I remember you, but I feel like there are details missing. "
Looking at the library, and then at Harry, she asked " I thought you said this place was completely destroyed. How did it get back to this condition? "
" Well, like I said. Instead of fighting your defenses, I took that power and added my own strength, and focused on how the library used to be, as best as I could remember it. "
" Hmmm, " muttered Hermione as she walked down one of the aisles. " Well, these books don't belong here. They go with the rest of the books on the history and philosophy of Arithmancy. And these three, they obviously go in the section on practical applications of object transfiguration. Harry, didn't I explain my filing system to you? It's obvious why some of my memories feel jumbled, you neglected to put the books back in their correct locations. "
With a disbelieving look at Saldar, which was returned, Harry stammered, "Uhh, yes, terribly sorry about that, Hermione, but I did have a few other things on my mind at the time. "
"Oh, Harry, I didn't mean to seem ungrateful. " And she rushed back to him and gave him such a wonderful kiss that he was left breathless as well as speechless. " I'll sort the rest of this out later. Let's go. " Grabbing his hand, Hermione pulled Harry back outside of the library, with Saldar grinning happily behind them.
---
When she opened her eyes, all she could see was wild, unruly black hair that tickled her nose. She lifted her hand to push it away, and realized that her other hand was still held tightly in Harry's grip. With a smile, she kissed the top of his head and pushed him slightly away.
"Wake up sleepy head. If anyone caught you in here, there'd be hell to pay. If McGonagall, or Molly, or heaven forbid, one of my parents were to walk in…"
"Ahem," interrupted Dumbledore with a trace of a smile. Hermione's eyes opened in shock. "I assure you, Miss Granger, there is no need to worry tonight. We are all aware of how Harry has been helping you recover from your terrible ordeal tonight."
Hermione looked around in sudden fear. When she realized that only herself, Harry, and Dumbledore were present, she breathed a huge sigh of relief.
"Uhh, Professor Dumbledore, this has never happened before," she explained, her face bright red.
"I believe you, of course, Miss Granger. And I am sure it will not happen during the coming school year."
"School year," asked Hermione, puzzled.
"At Hogwarts," supplied Dumbledore. "Are you feeling well?"
"Hmm. Hogwarts. Like the title of that book. The name sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it."
"I see, Miss Granger. Perhaps I could…"
"I think I just need some time to rest and relax, really, Professor. I've spoken with Harry about it. Apparently, he helped recreate my memories, but he seems to have put them in the wrong order. Some things I remember, others are still foggy."
"Ah, yes. I had not thought of that. Of course, you and Harry, like most men and women, think very differently, though you two complement each other extremely well."
"Uhh, thank you. I think. Umm, when I first woke up, you mentioned we. And about what I said at first, uhh… "
"You are still just as clever and perceptive as always, Hermione. The we that I referred to included myself, the Weasleys, and your own parents. They are downstairs having a hot meal. Most of them have been here with you almost continuously for two days now. And do not worry, nothing happened while you were unconscious for which you need to apologize. But now that you are awake, it would probably be best to move young Mr. Potter to another room."
"He seems awfully tired, Professor."
"Well, he worked very hard to bring you back to us, Miss Granger. I cannot explain how happy I am to have you back. To have you both back. I will move Harry, and then I will inform your parents."
"Thank you."
Dumbledore easily lifted Harry, and carried him from the room. Hermione laid back in her bed, and listened to the quiet footsteps as Dumbledore walked down the hallway, then back and down the stairs. She heard the distinct voices of her mother and father and then the pounding steps as they raced up the stairs. The door flew open and then she was enveloped in their smothering hugs.
"I'm fine. I'm going to be fine," she insisted over the tears and sighs of her parents as she hugged them back fiercely. After a few minutes, she asked, "I'm starving. Is there anything left to eat downstairs?"
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