Disclaimer: Just as I cannot have an Aston Martin, I cannot claim these characters. Only the plot and a Honda Civic are mine.
Thank you to all of you who reviewed, I truly appreciate it! Sorry for the grammer flaws that do exist - for as educated as I may be, I must have missed some grammer lessons along the way! If anyone wants to Beta this work let me know, I have never tried to get a Beta so I wasn't sure where to begin!
Alyxandria - I read your post and I decided that I too need to review what I wrote. That is something I assumed in my head while writing, but probably didn't clarify in actual writing. How sad is my short term memory I can't even remember what I last wrote - damn diet soda!!!!
Well on with the show
Chapter 4 - Past and Present
The sky was lit with a crimson glow. The gentle hills that surrounded the small Tudor home were flush with lush late-summer grass. The setting sun struck the west side of the white house illuminating the small details such as the dark decorative beams, the small beds of flowers that lined stone walkways and the small carved sign that read Potter. At the crest of one of the surrounding hills, sat a young man basking in the disappearing light, his ebony hair was highlighted in the failing light and from behind the sun seemed to shimmer around him, giving him an ethereal quality. The boy was deep in thought his knees raised and his forearms resting on top.
It was thus that a young woman with chestnut hair hesitated to interrupt his tranquility. Hermione Granger slowly made her way from the rear door of the home to the grassy knoll that the boy sat upon. As she approached she unconsciously smoothed her hair down and straightened her flowered skirt that gently brushed her knees. Hermione came to rest behind the boy tentatively interrupting his quiet.
"Harry?"
The boy swiveled his head in response and Hermione was quickly reminded that he was no boy, but now a man. The sun struck his face in deep relief, etching the planes that comprised his features. His face was weary, the mouth pinched in sorrow, although the edges began to curve up in response to his visitor. Perhaps the most telling feature was his eyes. The emerald orbs that had once held brilliant surprise, now were dimmed by experience and heartbreak. His raven hair still held a boyish unkempt character, but on his wizened face it was clear he was no longer a youth.
"Well hello!" He smiled up at the brunette whose hand rested on his shoulder. "Have a seat" Harry inclined his head pointing to the patch of grass to his right.
Hermione gathered her skirt and gracefully sunk to the grass. She rested her chin on her shoulder and gazed at Harry. "So... how's solitary confinement treating you?"
"I'm sorry Herm, I know I've been out here all day. I didn't intend to leave you alone for so long but... I... I don't know how to explain it."
"Shhhh..." Hermione placed a finger across his lips. " I know, I was just teasing you. I don't expect you to spend every waking moment with me, after all if you did I'm afraid my studies would feel neglected."
Harry stared at Hermione despite his utter desolation and confusion he was infused with a sense of calmness as she sat alongside him. He was in love with her response, in love with her visage, in love with her. The tip of his tongue escaped his lips and teased her silencing finger. When she removed her restricting digit Harry leaned forward and placed a kiss on her lips. "Thank you for understanding."
Hermione rested her head on Harry's shoulder as the golden sun continued to set. They sat in silence enjoying the small pleasure to be gained from observing the sunset. Hermione thought back a year to the summer before their sixth year. She had sat on a similar hill just outside the Burrow.
It was two weeks before school began, Hermione had been invited to come and finish out their vacation with Ron and his family. Harry had been invited as well but it looked unlikely that he would be able to make it; convincing Dumbledore to let him leave the safety wards present at the Dursleys was proving to be more than difficult. Hermione had needed to escape the bustle of the burrow, so different from her own home, two nights after she had arrived.
A myriad of questions flitted through her mind, the past school year had been trying on the young woman. Her feelings were in chaos and staying at the Weasleys had not helped this problem. She had finally admitted it to herself while traveling with her parents through Greece earlier that summer, she had 'had feelings' for her best friend for the past two years. While that might have been a simple enough prospect for most girls, for Hermione, whom had two male best friends it was less than clear-cut. Harry and Ron both occupied large portions of her heart. It was this dilemma that currently perplexed Hermione.
Ron, the stupid git, she mused, seemed oblivious to all things not Chudley. She for the first time was having trouble reading the boy. Frustration at the complications hormones and 'growing up' caused in friendships seethed through her body. She had always been attracted to the temperamental redhead. She loved his passion, the caring side he often tried to hide under a tough exterior, which always appeared especially when it came to family. But he was Ron, obsessed with quidditch, unwilling to study as much as he needed to, and derived all to much please in finding her last nerve and working his way onto it.
Harry on the other hand, was the boy everyone loved, well except Draco Malfoy, but as far as Hermione was concerned it was best that way. Harry who had been through so much, still found a way to laugh and remain faithful to his friends. She knew this summer had been especially hard on Harry, The death of Sirius was devastating to Harry, he had lost not only his godfather, but a confidant, a father-figure and his link to his parents. Being trapped at the Dursleys, despite their improved treatment, was torture. Hermione had made a point to contact him frequently, there was so much pain trapped inside of him she feared its consequences. His messy black hair appealed to her as well as his troubled eyes. But there was a part of Harry that always seemed closed off, that he wouldn't let anyone into. That troubled Hermione, as much as she desired to be the one to reach him, she also knew she couldn't stand to be cut off from him so.
A light wind whipped her hair about her face, and obscured the sound of approaching footsteps. A prickle caused the hairs along the back of her neck to stand up. Alerted Hermione swiveled her head around. Before her stood a bedraggled Harry Potter, his hair and glasses askew and surprisingly his eyes glistening with what Hermione suspected was tears.
That was how it all had begun she thought on a summer eve, much like the one she currently was enjoying.
Of course there was much more to it, but the buzz of an incessant gnat distracted her thoughts, Hermione raised her head slowly from her makeshift pillow.
"Harry?"
"Hmmm..." he roused himself from his thoughts.
"How are you doing? Really don't sugarcoat anything for my sake." Hermione stared pointedly at Harry. It had only been a few days since the battle ended.
Harry sighed he knew that eventually she would ask such a question, he still didn't know how to answer it but he would do the best that he could. "To be honest I don't know how to answer that question and I don't know when I will be able to. I sit here and all I can think of are all those who died, everyone I was unable to save. I don't know what the next few weeks, months, or years will hold. I keep telling myself to take it one day at a time, and that with distance things will come into perspective, but quite frankly my patience has run thin. I don't have it in me to see how things play out, I'm sick of waiting for things to happen to me." Harry ran agitated fingers through his hair.
Hermione sat in silence for a few moments while she ingested what he told her. "It is perfectly normal for you to think about all those that died, every time I close my eyes I think of Voldemort's body lying at your feet as I ran to you... it was horrifying I can't even begin to understand how you are able to cope with everything that happened. You are the most amazing man I've ever met, and you must remember that you did not cause anyone's death." Hermione unable to look at his ravaged features anymore quickly pulled him into an embrace. She rubbed his back soothingly.
"It was just so hard today sitting with Ron, knowing that Percy was dead, and knowing that Ron had no idea. It nearly killed me to banter with him like everything was normal. In fact I'm not certain that Ron prefers it that way, he seemed to sense the awkwardness of the situation as well..."
"I know I felt it too, but as much as everything has changed, we are all still best friends, and we can't let all humor and happiness be driven from our lives, then He has won."
Harry pulled back and lowered a kiss onto her upturned nose. "When did you get so smart?"
"I dunno, I read it in a book somewhere..."
"HARRY...HERMIONE..." A shout echoed off the surrounding hills.
"Yes Remus... We're coming in." Harry responded to the dark silhouette that stood atop the hill nearest the house.
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The shrill report from the kettle accompanied by the scrape of a chair interrupted the lazy conversation that wafted across the cozy kitchen table. The blonde head of Remus Lupin quickly reached the squalling teapot and poured three steaming cups. Remus still looked tired, battles and full moons had taken their toll on the man. A smile spread across his tanned face as he thought on his joy that the battles were over and that Harry could finally make a home in Godric's Hollow. He was also pleased that Harry had asked him to stay at his home, although it still pained him that the spot ought to have been filled by his close friend. He would do his best to be there for the boy as Sirius would have wanted him to be.
Remus sat the tea down in front of the two young people who immediately reached for the accoutrements.
"Are you sure I can't interest you in something to eat... I know I'm late but..." Remus implored looking at Harry who seemed to be growing thinner every time he looked at him.
Harry smiled at Remus desire to plump him up reminding him oh so much of Mrs. Weasley. "No Remus, I can assure you we more than filled up at the Weasley's today. I never knew Charlie could cook as well as he does, apparently comfort food runs in the family."
Remus frowned. "How is Mrs. Weasley doing? I can only imagine how hard it must be for her."
Hermione lowered her head in condolence. "She was in bed the whole time we were there apparently an earlier visit from Professor Dumbledore had upset her."
"Hard to imagine Dumbledore upsetting anyone, but I suppose if I had one son recovering from a full body bind, another dead and my daughter..." Remus paused not sure how to continue. "My only daughter...well missing."
With a snap Harry raised his head from his steaming cup of tea, which he had been attempting to disappear into. Good Gods, Ginny! What had become of the girl? Come to think of it he hadn't even seen her leave the Voldemort's hideout at the end of the battle. A sudden wave of guilt swept through Harry causing his spine to tingle. Hermione sitting next to him sensed his sudden ill ease. How could I have forgotten her, regardless of what was said how could I have failed to even look for her after the battle. Hermione placed her hand on Harry's forearm attempting to sooth him. She's why... emotions that Harry couldn't discern filled his mind as he stared at Hermione's hazel eyes. Bits of love for her, anger that she made him forget his best friends only sister, guilt for having done so. Harry shook his head in a physical attempt to rid himself of his thoughts.
"Harry, are you okay?" Hermione's puzzled eyes questioned his actions, as Remus looked on thoughtfully.
"Fine, fine... I was just thinking. I'm sad to say I hadn't even thought about Ginny, what with the loss of Percy and Ron's injury."
"Neither had I." Hermione concurred with Harry. "It is to be expected after all, with the chaos of the battle and the disorder that has continue to follow, plus you know she may have wanted…"
Harry cut Hermione off, "that is no excuse for forgetting a girl who was supposed to be our friend!" Harry slammed his fist down in anger rattling the china cups that rested there long forgotten. "We can't condemn her yet…"
"Harry" Remus began, "Don't blame yourself, there were many wizards there, with just as much responsibility to look for her. If it makes you feel better I have heard word from Dumbledore that she made it out alive. Past that, I have no idea. Remember Harry too much has happened in a short period of time for you to be able to keep track of it all."
Harry sat silently for a moment regaining his composure. Hermione, who had yet to relate her entire captive experience sought to change the topic quickly. She desired both to help Harry as well as fend off her own demons, "Speaking of which Remus, where's Tonks?"
"I left her at the Ministy, filling out some tedious paperwork. She promised she would be home in a few hours." A dreamy sort of smile graced the werewolf's features. "That does remind me Harry, there was a large meeting today while I was at the Ministry. They decided to proceed with the trial to clear Sirius's name." Remus paused allowing time for Harry to comment if he felt the need to. "Arthur proposed the idea before the war began and they now agree that trial is more than needed and Sirius deserves a public memorial"
Harry's immediate reaction was muddled, while he was sad to be reminded of the loss, he was also angry that Sirius was betrayed in such a manner to begin with, and finally a sense of rightness overwhelmed the other emotions. Harry smiled, his anger and frustration beginning to ebb slightly, this was right and deserved.
With a content expression wrought from the happiness he was finding at Godric's Hollow and his new family Harry replied, "when does the trial begin?"
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What started as a low moan resulted in a shrill cry, which quickly awoke Draco.
Gods he thought Will the girl ever get a full nights rest.
He didn't know how she was expected to heal if she kept tossing through these nightmares. He placed a hand on her small shoulder to still her movements. Per routine, she would attempt to trash for a few more minutes, voice several demons and then quiet down for another hour or so.
"Gods... No... Tom, why?... No" Ginny choked off a few snippets of conversation. She had yet to reveal, through her subconscious, what exactly had happened to her over the summer, but each night Draco was able to piece more and more together. "Leave her, no don't touch her... take me..."
Now that was new Draco thought who was she...was it Hermione or some other girl that was a victim of Voldemort.
Her body stilled and Draco released the pressure on her shoulders preparing for her to resume sleeping. Instead though two eyes stared up at Draco's own. They blinked removing the sheen of pain-induced tears.
"Awake are we?" Draco quietly whispered to the injured girl.
She blinked twice in response, a wary light entering her eyes.
"I thought we went over this, I'm not going to hurt you" Draco smiled down at her, he couldn't really expect her to trust him yet, but there wasn't much he could do, except attempt to reassure her.
Draco turned to his left grabbing the small brown bottle Aesa had left him. It was almost gone. Not that it mattered Draco thought after all the girl had yet to have a dreamless, painless spot of sleep.
Ginny watched Draco's movements through slitted eyes, the pain in her abdomen was nearly unbearable, but she supposed it was marginally better than the last time she awoke. Draco had been there as well, he must be caring for her. A multitude of questions threatened to overtake her, but Draco's presence beside her with a glass of water halted their progress.
"Would you like some water?"
Ginny slowly nodded her head, understanding that she would have to trust him to a certain degree. After all he professed that he wouldn't hurt her and obviously she was in no position to counter that.
With a minimum of spillage Ginny gulped down some water, Draco turned to her again with the small brown bottle.
Draco was shocked to see a small shaking hand still his hand holding the sleeping potion. Ginny was stared at the bottle he was holding.
This much be the potion that's making me sleep, she surmised. She welcomed a repast from the pain, but she the questions that had been momentarily stalled were still present and demanded her attention.
"Where..." Her voice cracked with disuse. "Where am I?"
Draco looked down at Ginny, not sure whether to be shocked that she was questioning him or not. Draco decided to answer honestly as long as he didn't reveal the details Aesa had warned him against.
"My bed..." Draco paused enjoying the shock that was written into her eyes. "You are at Malfoy manner." He clarified.
Ginny paused thinking over his answer. Draco unscrewed the cap to the potion; ready to forestall any questioning that went to far.
"How long have I been hurt?" She continued.
"You've been here three and a half days. My doctor has been tending your wounds, he's the best doctor money can buy." Draco grimaced at his automatic slur on wealth. Ginny seemed not to notice or not to care and continued on with questioning. "Where is my family, why am I here with you?" The questions seemed to tumble out of her mouth.
Draco poured a portion of the sleeping draft. "That's enough for now, the doctor wants you resting for a bit longer yet." Draco put a finger on her chin and effectively slid the medicine down her throat. Ginny sputtered at the treatment and glared indigently at Draco.
"But... But I'm not done asking questions, I need to know where my famil..." Ginny trailed off as the powerful potion took control.
Draco stroked her long red hair away from her face and looked mournfully at her now benign features. He had enjoyed the spark of indignation that had lit her topaz eyes, but the plantive sadness that drained her features when she asked of her family bothered Draco, something inside of him moved at the sight of her pain. He whispered a quick sorry, sorry that he had to sneak the medicine down her throat, sorry that he couldn't answer the questions she rightfully deserved answers to, and sorry for the pain that had been inflicted upon her.
With that he whispered nox and left the room needing to get out in the little time he knew he had, before she awoke again.
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