Salty Coffee by chic_geek

Rating: G
Genres: Angst, Drama
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 19/03/2005
Last Updated: 19/03/2005
Status: Completed

"There is no one around me. Everyone is gone. Suddenly, I’m alone. Not like it matters. I’m
always alone now. Except when Hedwig comes around. But she does not come often. I think she finds
it too painful."




1. Salty Coffee
---------------



Author's Note: Yes, I'm back from the dead! And I apologize for not finishing “The
Hogwarts Chronicles of Neville Longbottom”. I've been so busy and deleted it instead. However,
I'll probably continue writing one-shots, depending on the reviews. So keep the reviews coming
guys!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter universe.

I sit here in the Great Hall, amidst the hustle and the bustle of the people around me. They eat
their breakfast, but with a sense of foreboding. A couple of times I see them glance at me. Most of
the time they just stare. I know what they're thinking—they're waiting for me to erupt.

I have a plate of eggs in front of me. I don't know how it got there. They're cold. I
just play with my fork instead.

I take a sip of coffee. It's cold and bland. Tasteless. The bitterness is gone. I pile on
the sugar. I sip again. There is no sweetness.

I glance at the Daily Prophet. The headline goes: “In Honor”. I look at the names of the
departed. I don't feel anything. I can't even cry.

I feel a hand on my shoulder. It's tiny and light. I know its Ginny's. But I don't
bother to turn around.

“Hermione?” she calls out softly. I know I should answer, but I won't.

“Hermione, the bell rang.” She continues. I just stare at the eggs. She gives a sigh.

“All right Hermione, I'll meet you later.” She pats my shoulder and leaves. I just continue
staring at the cold, greasy eggs.

There is no one around me. Everyone is gone. Suddenly, I'm alone. Not like it matters.
I'm always alone now. Except when Hedwig comes around. But she does not come often. I think she
finds it too painful.

Like I do.

I look at the Daily Prophet, again. I read the headline, again. It is very simple. But it breaks
countless of hearts.

I read the subtitle below it. It says: “In honor of the brave and heroic wizards and witches. We
are eternally grateful.”

I look at the first name in the list.

I take a sip of coffee. It tastes salty. Not sweet, but salty. Like tears.

I'm shaking.

I cannot breathe.

My face is wet.

And for the first time, I'm crying.

I look at the name again.

Harry Potter.

FIN.

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