A/N: Oh, I am so excited about writing this one! I mean, I actually know what it's going to be about, and when I'm gonna write when. I might even finish this. Anyway, read, and review, I will review any authors who review me. Enjoy!
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Nine years. Nine long years. In total, one hundred, eleven months, spent gone.
It was good to be home.
Harry glanced up at the rickety gate in front of the stone walk that lead to the door with the paint peeling. Nine years had certainly taken it's toll on what Harry had once called home. Giving the small house a good look, Harry felt shivers run down his spine. It had nothing to do with the wind, whipping through his jacket. Harry took a deep breath and opened the gate.
The yard was the same as when he left. Cut neatly, a healthy green color. From the walkway, Harry could see the side garden, fresh with the spring flowers in full bloom. Maybe nine years doesn't change much after all.
Stuffing down the butterflies in his stomach, Harry quickly knocked on the worn door, before he lost his nerve. Over come with emotions, Harry felt as if he would burst, and his heart fluttered. Excited and scared at the same time, he struggled to not turn around and flee. You've waited nine years for this. Nine long years, Harry told himself, This is what you've dreamed of, what you waited for. This is what kept you alive while-The door opened slowly.
"Hello?" Harry said, eagerly, "Hermione it's - ". Harry stopped and stared at the little girl who had opened the door.
"Are you the guy with the cake? I'm to tell you to take it into the kitchen."
Disappointment clawed at Harry's heart and he struggled to not cry. Look at me. After all that happened, a little let down and I almost lose it. Harry shook his head, almost as if to stop the growing dread, combined with a weight, setting in his chest.
"Excuse me, little girl? Is your mother home?"
"You don't have the cake?" Harry shook his head. The little girl's face scrunched up, mutilating her freckles. She leaned her head to one side, tilting her red braids so they fell into her face. She seemed to be studying him, this man without a cake. Harry cleared his throat.
"If you don't have the cake, why are you here? I don't think we are expecting any guests."
"I was looking for someone who used to live her. Could your mummy tell me what happened to the last occupant of this house?"
"I don't know. Probably. Who are you looking for?" The little girl looked up at Harry with a piercing look, as if there was something she couldn't figure out. "Do I know you?"
Harry swallowed and ignored her last question. "Tell your mother I'm looking to find out if she knows where a Hermione - "
"Oh, she still lives here."
Harry's heart stopped and he found it difficult to breath. "She - she does?" He gasped out.
The little girl looked at Harry as if he had something growing out of his head. "Yeah, doesn't everyone know that?" Before Harry could answer she turned around and yelled down the front hall. "There's a man at the door! And he's cake-less!"
From the kitchen came a reply, "Who is it?".
Harry stumbled from where he was standing, and had to lean against the door. Nine years, he thought, Nine years since I've heard that voice, and it still makes my knees weak.
The girl turned back to Harry. "Who are you?"
Harry struggled to find his voice. When he finally spoke, it came out croaky, "Just tell her it's Harry."
"He says his name's Harry!"
There was a shatter of glass in the next room and within seconds, a door swung open.
"Addison!" Hermione scolded angrily, whipping around the corner. "What have I told you about lying!"
"It's true! Ask him, that's what he said!" The girl known as Addison pointed a finger in Harry's direction. At the sight of Hermione, his emotions had gone into some sort of shock. Expecting to all but weep when he saw her after nine years, Harry couldn't understand why his stomach felt like lead.
Hermione lifted her head up, and her eyes widened. She walked slowly up to Harry, and carefully poked his arm, as if to make sure he was real. Hermione jumped when her finger connected with flesh.
"Harry?" Hermione whispered.
Smiling the sad smile that only Harry could, he nodded.
"But - " Hermione toiled with the words, "But . . . you're dead."
With that, Harry had to dive to catch Hermione as she stumbled and fainted.
