INVICTUS by W.E HENELY
Out of the night that covers me
Dark as the pit from pole to pole
I thank whatever gods maybe
For my unconquerable soul
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud
Under the bludgeoning of chance
My head is bloody but unbowed
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid
It matters not how strait the gate
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul
CHAPTER-1
Not everyone would have imagined Hermione Granger former head girl of Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry, part of the 'golden trio' which defeated the dark lord, spell caster extraordinaire to be the owner of the successful bookshops in England. Reactions to Hermione's idea of a livelihood ranged from ecstatic to incredulous. Harry even though very shocked and amazed at the thought of Hermione settling in for such a tame job, like a loyal friend told her that he was happy for her and would support her in every way possible if any need be (personally he hoped that such a need never arose).Ron being……..well Ron had openly showed his displeasure at Hermione choice of profession and told her there existed enough bookshops in London to give him nightmares. Ginny advised Hermione not to be discouraged by her dear brother's oaf like and not required comments ('well we all know what a pillock my dear old brother is' her exact words) and even offered to help her with the interiors.
Yet here she was pulling up the curtains, throwing open the windows and letting the sunlight enter The Velvet Parchment—her beloved store. Situated right at the end of Rue de Belmont, Hogsmeade, it gave only one message to an onlooker—book heaven. One is greeted by a huge green door at the entrance along with a display window on either side. Enter and a very elegant and sophisticated mélange of stone with plush sofas, comfy chairs and wonderful pile carpets and rugs arranged on the floor soothes the eyes. The soft lighting only heightens the warmth and welcoming feel of the store. And a snug coffee bar in one corner is the cherry one the top.
Hermione loved getting up early and coming to the store where she would spruce up the store for her customers, arrange the books, make sure there are enough coffee beans in the coffee maker, bring in assorted pastries from Madame Puddifutt's and fluff up the cushions. Even though she had hired an assistant --- a very able Jules Cooper who had just graduated out of Hogwarts---Hermione reveled in the tranquility offered by the store and used this time to plan her day and collect her thoughts. At 23 she had blossomed into a vivacious, beautiful and a confident young woman who had every second of her life planned out. Unlike many of her 23 years old friends, she was currently sailing the ship of singleton. It was not that she didn't want a relationship but the damn right person just wouldn't come along. Like everyone had predicted, she and Ron had started dating by the end of the 7th year at Hogwarts but it had just not worked out. Hermione personally thought that she was actually in love with Ron but six months later she realized that she found his ignorance more irritating than cute. Not that Ron was dumb or anything but maybe she wanted someone who would challenge her and not someone who agreed with her just because she said so. Thus, both of them decided splits ville would be the best option. But not even a failed relationship could spoil their friendship. They still enjoyed the Sunday brunch at the Weasleys along with Harry and Ginny. They still shared their lives with each other and Hermione would be the first one to meet Ron's monthly girlfriends. He was now the keeper for the Chudley Cannons and Hermione felt proud to note the fact that it was because of Ron's keeping prowess that the cannons were now top of the charts. Then, she shifted her focus onto the Potters---Harry, Ginny and the soon to come little Potter. Contrary to popular expectations they had not married right after school but had waited till Ginny finished her healer training while Harry completed his auror training. They had then taken a world tour and when Ginny turned 21 and Harry was 22 they decided it was time for the final act. Hermione had been one of the bridesmaids and still remembered how radiantly happy both the bride and the groom had looked. All her other batch mates from Hogwarts had forayed into a myriad number of professions. Neville and Luna now taught herbology and transfiguration respectively, at Hogwarts, Parvati and Lavender had started their very own chain of beauty products for witches and Dean and Seamus were now the proud owners of brooms and more--- the premier Quidditch supplies shop in England. Hermione glanced at her watch and cursed when she saw it was already 9:30AM, "enough procrastinating", she muttered to herself as she went to her office cum counter.
The bell tinkled as Jules came in with her usual boisterous cheerfulness "hey capn!" she announced as she saluted Hermione and deposited her bag on the counter with a flourish. Jules had always fascinated Hermione. Both her parents had died fighting against Voldemort and yet no one could have guessed that behind the happy façade there actually was a lot a pain and suffering. Hermione admired how Jules looked at everything with a positive attitude. They both smiled at each other when a little girl peeked in and asked "are you open yet, miss?" "And so it begins" muttered Jules as she guided their little customer into the shop.
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It was nearly 7:30PM when Hermione and Jules put off the lights and locked the door. After bidding Jules a goodnight Hermione apparated to her flat in the wizarding section of London. Her apartment was on the 5th floor of 'FAIRWAYS BUILDING'. It was a two bedroom flat complete with a kitchen and –Hermione's favorite ---a huge living room. It was small and comfortable and sufficed for her. She decided that she better get ready for dinner at the Potters because if she was late then Ginny would be waiting at the other end, and an angry Potter was something you don't want to go through. Finally deciding on beige top and dark pants Hermione entered her bathroom.
A glowing Ginny opened the door as Hermione knocked. As she hugged her, she saw Harry struggling with the wine bottles and glasses. She greeted him with a hug too. "So, how is baby potter doing?" she pleasantly asked Ginny who patted her swelling belly and replied "he's defiantly taking after his father with all his kicks and cartwheels." To which Harry sagely informed them that he knew his son was going to be a famous
Quidditch player and needed all that practice. Very soon Ron arrived with a 5 pound candy box for Ginny. To the raised eyebrows he simply stated that 'his nephew had to develop good eating habits from a very tender age if he wanted to grow into a strapping, handsome man like his uncle' as he poured the wine. Dinner was as good as always and the crème brulee took Hermione's breath away and she wished not for the last time that she had the Weasley cooking gene. It was after midnight that Harry decided that his pregnant lady had had her share of fun and it was now time for bed. The friends then bade each other a goodnight with a promise to meet at Ron's house next Thursday. A bone tired Hermione apparated back to her flat and fell asleep the minute her head landed on the pillow.
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At the same time, miles away a blond haired man signed some papers and said "well, that's settled."
A/N: hello my favourite dramione shippers!!! welcome aboard.i've decided that i'm gonna try something new with this fic. yeah u heard it right THIS IS AN OPEN STORY!!you can send me your plot ideas and your comments on my email but before that you have to do the honorable task of clicking on that little button known as the review button.its easy just click,write your much needed comments and ...voila you're done!and i'm gonna write the first two chaps of this story which can serve as an introduction and from there on its all in your hands. but you'll have to bare with me a bit as my computer has very nicely vanished the second chapter so i've to write it all over again.just wait for the second chapter which i'll upload in a few days time. after that ...you know the drill.until then keep reviewing,keep chewing and ...ummmm...how bout keep mooing(another sad attempt at humor)till the next time.