TEN GALLEONS RECEIVED AND ALL TIPS POCKETED
Chapter One
Hermione watched as white rose after white rose was conjured and scattered over the memorial preserved in memory of those who had sacrificed their lives during the Dark War, as the name was so coined. Occasionally, white daisies were produced to represent innocent children who had died in the fight.
It was the first anniversary since the war had ended. Every witch and wizard in England, and some from other parts of Europe attended the ceremony. The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, was at present walking up the podium to give his speech. There were some, especially those from the older generations and those who supported Dumbledore, who were looking at Fudge with more than a hint of disdain. When Voldemort had resurrected, Fudge had refused to accept it. When Voldemort had launched an all-out war, he was still more concerned with the public image of the Ministry and himself. This weak leader who was not a leader in any real sense of the word only managed to keep his position because those whom the community called for to stand against Fudge did not care for the post.
Instead, they concentrated on the forging ties with the rest of the magical community and maintaining peace. Hermione looked at the four wholly admirable wizards standing beside Fudge. Albus Dumbledore, dressed in his best robes of velvet purple with the Hogwarts crest sewn on it. Arthur Weasley, now head of five departments and commanded respect among Ministry members for showing the much needed foresight and bravery Fudge did not possess. Alastor Moody, representative of the Aurors who had fought alongside members of the Order of the Phoenix. And Harry Potter, fidgeting in his new robes and looking decidedly uncomfortable. Hermione smiled at her best friend. Ron, who was beside her, whistled loudly while his twin brothers Fred and George cracked mini-fireworks to liven up the atmosphere. Heroes and heroines who had fallen, were after all, supposed to be cheered, and not moaned.
After Fudge gave his rambling speech about the importance of strengthening relations and leadership, the audience politely applauded. However, when Fudge stepped down and Dumbledore took over, the people clapped enthusiastically. Dumbledore smiled and waved at everyone.
"Friends, today, as the Minister of Magic kindly tells us, is the first anniversary in which the world is freed of Voldemort. I do not have to remind you the times we passed through as we fought side by side against the enemy. Those who have died for us, we will always remember in our hearts. And we will tell our children and they will tell their children, how these brave people died so that we may live. But we shan't tell them just what they did in the war. That won't do them justice. They had lives before the war began as well, and we shall remember everything about them."
Dumbledore paused and took out a piece of paper from his pocket.
"This is a list of those who are here buried. Roger Davies, always enthusiastic over Quidditch as Quidditch captains are wont to do. Of course, he had the girls all a flutter with his tactics in the field. There was bound to be clashes between him and the other captains like Oliver Wood… Gloria Pucey, once a quiet Slytherin who kept to herself and loved herbology, though few knew about that. Madam Pomfrey remembers how she used to catch this girl trying to take care of the more dangerous species to her detriment. Gloria's daughter, Serena, is here by the way, standing there with her father Beatus. She turns five tomorrow and she tells me she's wearing the bracelet Gloria gave her when she was born… Emmeline Vance, I personally assure that this wonderful woman had hidden depths. Do not be fooled by her stately appearance. She was an expert in making cocktails…"
He read on, until everyone was at least mentioned.
"Most of these people had been Hogwarts students once. They were from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and yes, even Slytherin. The rivalry among these Houses is well-known, notorious, some may say, especially when one thinks of Gryffindor and Slytherin. But still, in the war, all fought side by side, overcoming petty jealousies for the greater goal. Never forget that prejudices are groundless. Not all Gryffindors are righteous and not all Slytherins are evil. These people united, and succeeded and we thank them all."
The ceremony thus ended. Many lingered behind to mingle around and talk to those present. Hermione, Ron and Harry went to join the familiar group of friends and elders.
"Dear Hermione." McGonagall greeted her favourite student, "How is your latest project?"
Ron cut in, "You can't ask that Professor! You'll never hear the end of it. Why, Harry and I had to endure her showing all her notes and pointing out the hits and misses."
Hermione laughed. "It's coming along fine Professor," she replied to McGonagall, "So as to spare all of you, I'm just going to say that I predict I can finish the project in a month."
"Wonderful. Ten steps ahead as usual." Remus Lupin, who was with them, congratulated Hermione. "How about you Harry? Ready for the World Cup?"
Harry tossed his disobedient mess of black hair back, "We still need a lot of practice. They say Bulgaria is very strong this time and Krum's in his top form."
"No kidding." Ron muttered under his breath. He turned to Hermione, "Let's see who you support."
Hermione smiled, "Of course I'll support Harry. I told Viktor so." Viktor had come to terms that he and Hermione were not going to be a couple and they settled to being friends, which was naturally a relief for her.
As they chatted, Hermione's eyes would wander off to a spot some twenty feet away from them. Harry noticed this. "What is it Hermione?"
"Nothing."
"Oh come on. There must be something."
"It's just… that's the place I last saw him." Hermione whispered.
The whole group became silent. Hermione rapidly said, "Sorry. I'm such a downer. We're all here, happy, safe and…"
Dumbledore shook his head, "You're not the only one who misses him Hermione. We all do." Ron snorted and Dumbledore corrected himself, "Most of us do," and he frowned at Ron, making the young wizard embarrassed. Mrs. Weasley also looked disapprovingly at her son. "Shame on you for not caring for your professor."
"He's not my professor anymore Mum," Ron immediately quailed under Mrs. Weasley's glare, "Yes, well, he was awesome…" He admitted grudgingly. "No one can forget those stunts he did. Four wizards to one, and he beat them flat."
Harry wrapped his arm around Hermione's shoulders and realised she was shaking slightly.
"It's all right Hermione." Unlike Ron, he was aware of Hermione's feelings for the greasy git. Not that he would ever understand. Remnants of loathing still remained, but the hate he once felt for Snape was gone. Now, he could only support Hermione. He barely caught her words, "Why isn't he here?"
Harry did not know how to answer her. Ever since the war, people searched everywhere for Snape, but there was not a trace of him at all. Witnesses told of how he had been locked in a final battle with Peter Pettigrew. The irony that it was the two most prominent 'traitors' who were fighting each other to the bitter end was not lost on many who knew them. It had hurt Lupin particularly, when he learnt later that Wormtail had wanted to leave Voldemort but had been too afraid of punishment to do so. Dumbledore, too, had refused to speak to anyone for days after the war, frightening those around him. It was said that Snape had defeated Pettigrew and stunned him, but Pettigrew, with his powerful silver hand, had managed to blast Snape into thin air.
The Order had questioned Pettigrew incessantly when he was in Azkaban, but he simply did not know what had occurred. After pleading on his behalf, Lupin and Harry succeeded in preventing Pettigrew from being subjected to the Dementor's Kiss. Still, the treacherous silver hand was removed from him.
McGonagall tried to liven the atmosphere, "Well, since we are all here, I'll like to extend an invitation for all of you to stay in Hogwarts over the weekend. Most of the Order have agreed. It'll be like another gathering of friends."
Everyone embraced the idea wholeheartedly. Hermione chimed, grateful no one found her silly, "Yes please. We shall like that very much."
After a little while longer, all of them parted ways with the promise that they shall meet again. The war had resulted in them treasuring each other all the more but like Ron said, "Not sticking to one another is a good thing. Can you imagine going to the toilet with Moody?"
Hermione herself returned to London, where she had rented an apartment to be near her working place as soon as she had graduated from Hogwarts. She should be going home, but home meant being alone. Granted, it was lovely decorated, and it acted as a sanctuary. But she was feeling empty and Crookshanks was currently mingling with other cats in Hogsmeade. No cat to accompany her. She decided to wander about the city, looking but not seeing much.
She should be resigned, but whenever Hermione thought of Severus, she felt miserable. Besides, everyone else had not given up finding Severus.
Night was falling. Christmas was approaching. The air was getting chillier by the day. People were putting on warmer clothes. Shoppers were rushing from place to place to buy presents for friends and loved ones. Here and there, groups of carol singers walked down the streets in discipline. Their sweet voices were drowned by the noise of the traffic and on they pushed and Hermione could pick out the strains of various songs.
Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
For once she was a true love of mine
She preferred the traditional songs. They were somehow more meaningful than the saccharine ones, which were too determined to cheer people up until they repelled them instead of immersing them in the true Christmas spirit. She was surprised to hear one group sing something different. It was a folksong, but not a Christmas one.
Have her make me a cambric shirt
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Without no seam nor fine needle work
And then she'll be a true love of mine
Hermione loved the song. She had first heard the Simon and Garfunkel version and had learnt of all the verses sung in medieval times.
Have her make me a cambric shirt
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Without no seam nor fine needle work
And then she'll be a true love of mine
She stopped in her tracks and stood listening to this group of eight singers. Their age ranged from five to sixty. While not of professional standard, they held a charm of their own. And it seemed that the song was calling out to her.
Have her wash it in yonder dry well
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
where water ne'er sprung nor drop of rain fell
And then she'll be a true love of mine
Parsley to take away the bitterness; sage to symbolise strength; rosemary to represent faithfulness and remembrance; and thyme to symbolise courage.
Have her find me an acre of land
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Between the sea foam and over the sand
And then she'll be a true love of mine
This was one unreasonable gentleman to demand so much out of his partner.
Plow the land with the horn of a lamb
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Then sow some seeds from north of the dam
And then she'll be a true love of mine
Wait, this was a song to get a lady to propose to him?
Tell her to reap it with a sickle of leather
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
And gather it all in a bunch of heather
And then she'll be a true love of mine
But it was nonetheless a wistful plea.
If she tells me she can't, I'll reply
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Let me know that at least she will try
And then she'll be a true love of mine
Oh, so he was testing her, was he? Well, Hermione would rather not be tested.
Love imposes impossible tasks
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Though not more than any heart asks
And I must know she's a true love of mine
Must love always be met with obstacles? Ugh.
Dear, when thou has finished thy task
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Come to me, my hand for to ask
For thou then art a true love of mine
There was a smattering of applause and Hermione placed a few coins into the youngest singer's cap. When the crowd dispersed, Hermione found herself outside Daniel's Winebar. Well, why not? She had not eaten dinner yet.
Little did she know, that when she entered the small, innocent-looking restaurant, her life would take another unexpected turn.
~***~
A/N: I couldn't resist putting the whole song here. I got all the information of "Scarborough Fair" from
http:// www. geocities.com/paris/villa/3895/
