Ch. 4 - As Above
They had been gently floating through the sky for nearly an hour. The expanse of blue and the occasional tuft of a downy cloud probably would have lulled him to sleep in any other instance but the energy inside of the carriage was far too excited for him to feel sleepy.
Despite the fact that Ginny had kept most of the conversation going, there was an underlying tension coming from Ron that Harry couldn't quite suss out. Maybe, what Hermione said earlier about him and Ron being upset was slowly starting to unfold? He, personally, couldn't find any ire to feel for Hermione. He was far too grateful for her intervention to feel anything else. His mind was as high as the clouds they were racing through.
It wasn't until a few minutes later that something began to materialize outside, which caused him to sit up straighter. He squinted his eyes to see clearer through his glasses and as the seconds slowly ticked by he ended up gasping softly under his breath at what was slowly unfolding before him.
Up ahead like a mirage slowly coming into view was an enormous structure that resembled an upside-down mountain. On top was a sprawling land filled with massive structures. The closer they got the more detail became apparent and one-by-one chatter in the carriage ceased as everyone pressed their noses to the nearest window.
It wasn't like flying above the city earlier, it was like being lifted up onto a high perch to see what was on top of a shelf. If the shelf, in this instance was an enormous chunk of land, seemingly larger than that of Great Britain. Of course, he had always been pants at geography so maybe his mind wasn't measuring it properly. All he could tell was that it was massive and the closer they got the more massive it appeared.
Sprawling cities with elaborate infrastructure in some kind of geometrical design that he'd never seen spread out before him. Something about the structure of every building he saw made it appear ancient and new at the same time. The materials used gleamed and glowed in the sunlight in a way no stones he'd ever seen could. Sitting on high overlooking the entire thing was a massive palace that put Hogwarts to shame.
The massive thing looked like it was made of glass but the closer they got he realized he could not see through it. Maybe it was some kind of an illusion? Whatever it was created a kaleidoscope of rainbows to float around it in a visionary display that would have taken anyone's breath away.
To his untrained eye, it appeared the entire thing had been carved out of whatever glass-like material it was made out of instead of being constructed. It was such an odd and delightful sight he didn't think he'd ever possess the vocabulary to properly describe it. It was like massive enormous circles and spirals interwoven and inlaid with what looked like massive sparkling snowflakes.
The closer they got the more he could hear gasps and awe-filled murmurings from the other passengers. He was sure that his eyes would start burning any second from how wide he had them and his new inability to blink.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
Hermione's voice was so low he probably wouldn't have heard it if she wasn't leaning so close towards him. His body shuddered imperceptibly at her body gently brushing against his.
"It doesn't matter where I go or how many times I see it. The world is so very beautiful, Harry. You have no idea how beautiful. This is actually one of the more modest Palaces."
That statement finally caused him to blink out of his stupor and to turn his head from the window to look at her. He'd underestimated just how close they were because now their lips were only separated by a thin shaft of air. He froze in shock and anticipation, waiting for her to realize how close they were. She either didn't notice or didn't care because her eyes were trained out of the window. He merely took the next few seconds to view her up close.
She had a soft look of wonderment and contentment on her face and it made something inside of his rib-cage flutter. He found himself entranced by her long thick lashes and the golden amber realm of her eyes. His eyes widened in horror before quickly turning back to the window. He swallowed heavily trying to focus back on the beautiful palace that they had finally arrived at.
The carriage began to descend on a massive bridge that connected the palace to the rest of town and had a frothing lavender sea below it. There were guards and other elaborately dressed figures awaiting the carriage's descent on the bridge that only moments ago resembled nothing more than dots.
The carriage still had a lingering hushed atmosphere of awe about it. Everyone was still too engaged in trying to see everything through their windows to think about talking.
Once the gentle motion of the carriage connecting with the ground was felt everyone looked at each other in barely concealed excitement and nerves. The Grangers rose simultaneously with their guards leading the helm as the carriage doors were opened by outside guards. Hermione beckoned them all with a soft smile and a wave of her hands. They all rose nervously and began to file out, one-by-one, after the Grangers into a land mere hours ago they had no idea existed.
Once Harry exited the carriage his eyes widened comically at the sight before him. He'd stepped out onto a lush vividly purple carpet that stretched all the way from the carriage doors to the enormous palace doors up ahead. People stood in long train lines on both sides with eager anticipation on their faces which caused Harry to blush as many of them scrutinized him with blatantly curiosity.
Harry watched the Grangers as Chaeus spoke quietly to a man with lavish robes. The man seemed disappointed with whatever Chaeus told him but seemed somewhat mollified after he patted his shoulder and said something with a broad grin.
Chaeus turned back to them all still with the grin alight his face, "I would like to welcome you all to Espire. Follow me."
Chaeus began marching elegantly forward with guards in front and on the sides of their family. The rest of them followed behind in a bit of a daze. The sizable crowd that stood on both sides bowed so low that he was sure their noses were touching the ground as each Granger passed them. Only when Hermione had passed did they all raise up again and watch the Grangers with a reverence that would have overwhelmed Harry if he were in their position.
He could tell many in the crowd were curious as to who they were, especially since they weren't dressed at all similar. He was grateful that the majority of the attention was on the Grangers. This was far worse than the Boy-Who-Lived mania he'd had to put up with for years.
As they followed along with their heads switching back and forth trying to take in the enormous magnificent sights before them he inhaled deeply noticing that the air didn't feel, smell, or taste the same. It was crisper, fresher, purer. He didn't understand how air could be purer but there was really no other way to describe it. He felt invigorated, lighter somehow from the atmosphere.
The closer they got to the palace the more it seemed to loom over them like an ethereal giant. The rainbow of colors that appeared to vibrate around the structure flowed in and out of the mirror-like surface as if it were alive.
The trek across the massive bridge amid the swarming crowd would have felt like a small eternity if it weren't for the fact that he felt like he was floating in a space where time did not exist. From the looks on everyone's face, he could tell they felt much of the same. The twin's expressions alone would have been enough to send Harry into a fit of laughter if he wasn't aware that his own expression had to be just as comical.
When they finally reached the massive front doors that he had to crane his neck to see the top of the Grangers were greeted by a caramel-complected man with flaming thick coils of hair. He'd never seen such a hair color on anyone before and was a bit mesmerized at the sight. The man was thin and tall with a cream-colored robe with golden trim and trousers. He bowed his head as the Grangers approached him and began to converse quietly with Hermione's father.
"That's Gaius. He's on the Grand Council and serves as my father's personal ancillary."
Hermione spoke loud enough so that their group could hear among the loud murmurings of the crowd behind them. At her introduction, the aforementioned looked up and his lips twisted into a small smile. He made a flourishing bow towards Hermione.
"Princess. It is most fortuitous to be in your presence once more."
Hermione tilted her head in greeting, "You as well, Gaius."
Gaius gave Hermione a fond smile before turning back to her father.
"Everything has been properly prepared for your arrival. We've also completed the preparations for your commencement tomorrow."
Chaeus nodded, "Thank you, Gaius. We'll convene later."
Gaius bowed once more at the dismissal and disappeared in front of them. Harry's eyes widened slightly. He'd heard the older years talking about learning apparition and silently looked forward to it. He didn't think what he just saw was exactly apparition, though. It was too quiet for a start.
The group proceeded to follow the Grangers through the massive doors that magically swung open. Inside they were treated to a massive marble corridor with white pillars lining the walls on either side.
As they traveled through corridors the Grangers pointed out the rooms on each side, most of which were closed, and what they were used for. Harry couldn't fathom how this was supposed to be one of the understated palaces. It was sheer opulence and magnificence, in his opinion. Finally, they reached a corridor that was so wide the space in between resembled the middle of a street. There was grass, benches, flowers, and even statues. The ceiling over this corridor was either an illusion like in the Great Hall or was an opening to the sky because the sun shone through brightly. There were a few birds twittering around that Harry had never seen before as their plumes were vivid in an array of unusual colors.
From here, the Grangers began showing everyone to a door that they would be staying in. The Weasleys were given the largest apartment that had ten bedrooms. Harry, Sirius, and Remus were given their own apartment of five bedrooms. Professor McGonagall was given the smallest apartment with just three bedrooms.
"Someone will be along to escort you all to dinner later. For now, I will give you all time to get settled in and relax a bit. If you need anything before then there is a pad on the side of each of your doors on the inside. You need only touch it and state your need. Someone will arrive immediately to assist you," Chaeus said.
Harry tensed at the idea of being separated from Hermione but she was right beside him and seemed to know his thoughts before he did. She grasped his hand briefly before pulling him into a hug.
"I have boring royal duties to attend to for now but we'll talk later. I promise," she whispered in his ear.
This time it was easy to ignore the shiver that ran through his body as he felt his stomach give a sick swoop. He merely nodded at her and she gave him a bit of a worried smile before waving to everyone else and striding off with her family. He was a bit surprised to see Karcel and Aristos flanking them, he'd almost forgotten about the two when they'd entered the palace.
He swallowed heavily and blinked when he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. He looked up to find a distracted Sirius in the midst of excited chatter with everyone else. Eventually, they began to make their way to their apartments. He could hear everyone's excitement as they entered their temporary lodgings.
Sirius' firm hand guided him to their apartment and Harry was amazed at the sheer size of it once they were inside. They entered a spherical foyer that had corridors on each side of it. After much exploration, the corridor on the right entered into a huge living area. The one on the left was a large kitchen, dining area, breakfast nook, and sitting room. The one directly in front had a parlor, pool area, small garden, and what appeared to be an exercise room. Two staircases were on each side of the foyer leading up into the bedrooms, all of which were huge. He was sure that he could probably fit the entirety of the Gryffindor common room into his bedroom. There was even a small library inside and he smiled fondly as it reminded him of Hermione.
He shook his head at how large their living space was. The apartment was more like a mini-mansion than anything. He'd only seen such lavish settings in glimpses on the telly, the few times he'd been allowed to watch it. He could barely comprehend everything he'd seen up until now and the thought that Hermione had been living this way all of her life was overwhelming.
He felt a headache coming on and sat down on the enormous bed. All the adrenaline from earlier was collapsing around him and he began to feel despondent. Without Hermione, there to be an anchor everything just felt so surreal. He ran a shaky hand through his hair as he thought about the Dursleys and the possible upcoming trial.
Why did it hurt so much? He'd known his whole life that they hated him so why was today any different? Hearing that they were compelled to take him in had made sense but had also been like a spike in his heart. He'd always held out a tiny grain of hope that there was some affection in their hearts for him which is why they had taken him in, to begin with. Knowing that even that was a fantasy left him feeling weak and hollow.
Then, there was his parent's will. He could almost feel it burning his thigh through his pants. It sat there like a dead weight waiting to reveal another secret to him about his parents. He wanted more than anything to reach into his pocket and read it but couldn't bring himself to do so. For some reason, he was terrified to look at it. It meant too much and he didn't think he could handle much else.
He imagined how terrified they must have been to have made a will so young. How somber had they been to actually think that they weren't long for the world and prepare for him to be left behind? He felt his throat constrict and then several seconds passed where he felt like he couldn't breathe. He began gasping desperately for air until a sob tore viciously from his throat.
It was as if a dam had broken inside of him. Tears rolled down his cheeks in a torrent and he didn't even recognize the pained anguish of his own voice. He gripped his shirt feverishly as every pain he'd ever suffered rose up through his body, to his mind, and out of his eyes. He cried for his parents who were cut down too soon. He cried for Sirius being locked up for twelve years. He cried for Remus being cursed so young. He cried for his loss of family and childhood. He cried for having a madman after him. He cried for Cedric Diggory. He cried for the life that was taken from him, that he would never know. He cried for Ron and Hermione, for ever deeming him worthy of their friendship. He cried for the people in his life who clearly loved him because he had never known true love and here he was standing in the midst of it with full proof. He cried for the bone-deep gratitude that he felt towards a witch who grew more and more remarkable in his eyes by the day.
By the time he began to wind down he felt like he was just getting over an asthma attack and was able to breathe again. Suddenly, the heaviness that had hit him was subsiding. He was left shaking as his mind and body began to feel feather-light from its self-imposed therapy.
"Hey, pup, me and Remus just found this amaz-"
Harry looked up from his bent position to see his godfather standing in the doorway to the bedroom. He hadn't heard him enter the main room but the rooms were so large and the carpets so plush that wasn't surprising. He could feel his face redden in mortification. He quickly wiped his face and sat up. He never intended for Sirius or anyone else to see him this way.
"Are you...Are you okay?"
Sirius looked shocked and unsure how to handle what he was seeing.
"I'm fine."
Sirius nodded rather stiffly at that before shifting awkwardly. The atmosphere grew tense and unsettling as the seconds ticked by.
"Is there anything you want to talk about? I...uh...I told you earlier if you needed to talk about anything that I'm here," Sirius chuckled nervously, "Not that I'm very good with stuff like that. But that's what I'm here for, right?"
His question was a little too genuine as if he, himself, didn't truly grasp the finer points of being a godfather and maybe he didn't. Maybe, he was too screwed up from being locked up for so long or maybe he would have always floundered at these sort of things. Harry didn't know and at the moment he wasn't interested in finding out.
"It's okay. I just need a few minutes alone then I'll go check out what you and Remus found," he said quietly.
A long moment passed before Sirius nodded stiffly again, "Okay...okay. I'll just be downstairs, then. Me and Remus."
Harry moved his head slightly to indicate that he'd heard him and then Sirius jerkily moved away from the door. This time he heard Sirius exit from the bedroom's entrance room when the door clicked softly shut. He gave a great sigh and then fell backward onto the bed. He was glad Sirius wasn't the pushy type. As much as he loved his godfather he still didn't know him that well and the few times that they'd spent together neither had discussed anything emotional.
He desperately wished that Hermione was here with him and immediately thought it selfish of him. She had her own life and a rather magnificent one by the looks of it. She probably didn't and wouldn't have the time to deal with his craziness anymore. That thought began to dissipate some of the lightness he'd felt a few minutes before and he silently got up, deciding to trudge his way downstairs. Hopefully, Sirius and Remus had found something truly amazing.
Dinner that night with the Grangers was canceled which caused a pit of dread to lodge itself firmly in Harry's stomach. After everyone had settled in they all took turns exploring and admiring the other's apartments. The Weasleys was the largest as it housed the most rooms but each one was designed to be unique and somehow, he suspected, molded itself to the taste of those staying there. It was the only explanation for why the Weasleys apartment resembled an elegant upscale version of their Burrow.
Ron had been even weirder that night, especially after the Grangers had word sent by way of a guard that they would be unable to have dinner with their guests. They'd both fallen into weird moods and were unable to properly communicate. No one else seemed to notice, though, as they all chatted and ate dinner at the Weasley's apartment. The food had been mind-blowingly delicious and everyone else had been in high spirits but he couldn't enjoy it fully without Hermione there.
They'd all, eventually, separated to their own private quarters and fell into the massive plush beds that awaited them but despite the fact that the mattress he was on felt like a dream he'd laid awake all night wondering, for the first time, about the future. Was this just the beginning? Would Hermione no longer have time for him in her life? It was an odd feeling, imagining the future. Harry had very much lived in the moment up until this point. He'd never had any reason to anticipate life beyond the perilous present.
He'd fallen into a fitful sleep where he'd awoken every other hour or so until he saw the sun peeking through the far window. He'd finally given up on getting any real sleep and dragged himself out of bed. The shower he took would better be described as rinsing himself under a waterfall but it helped to ease some of the tension that had cropped up. He tried in vain to tame his wild hair and when he left the bathroom to find some clothes in his trunk he was surprised to find ornate robes laying on his bed. The robes were powder blue with a red lining. There were trousers to go with it and a pair of black boots.
After dressing he headed downstairs to the kitchen area to find a table filled with a variety of steaming hot food. He wouldn't have considered himself hungry before coming downstairs but the smell and look of everything had his stomach growling in no time. He began to quietly dig into the amazing meal. Sirius and Remus petered in only minutes after he did both looking refreshed and younger than he'd ever seen them. They had on the powder blue robes, as well.
"Moony, pup," Sirius took a swig of something from a glass container that was pink and sighed in contentment, "I do believe I am in heaven."
Remus chuckled as he bit into some type of croissant that Harry had learned moments before was divine, "Well, technically, that's where we are."
"What about you, pup? You doin' okay?"
Harry sensed the unease in the question relating to his crying episode the day before and Remus looked at the both of them with curiosity.
Harry shrugged, "I'm okay."
A slightly uncomfortable silence fell over the table as they all continued to eat quietly. He wasn't trying to make things uncomfortable but he didn't have it in him to try to act happy when he felt so suddenly unsure about himself. Thankfully, he didn't have to as a scroll appeared out of nowhere and hovered above the table they sat at. His guess was that it acted as a howler because an authoritative and feminine voice sounded from it.
"Greetings, guests of the Royal family. You have been formally invited for an outing with the Royal family that will commence at 1000 hours. Should you choose to accept an escort will arrive at the appointed time to retrieve you. Thank you for your time."
The voice ended but the scroll remained in the air until Sirius reached forward and plucked it with his nimble fingers. Apparently, the scroll was far more detailed as Sirius' eyes roamed back and forth over it.
"What does it say?" Remus asked.
"Something about going into town, shopping, and some big speech," Sirius shrugged and handed the scroll to Remus.
Remus read over it while humming in thought then handed it to Harry. Harry's eyes read the elegant document with unveiled interest. It was much as Sirius said in summation and there was even Chaeus' signature at the bottom. His heart sped up at the thought of seeing Hermione again. The hours in between felt like a small lifetime. He only wished she had come, herself, to tell them.
Remus glanced at a time fixture on the wall behind them that hovered the numbers in a glowing blue, "Well, it's only eight now. We have a couple of hours before we leave."
Sirius leaned back and popped a grape into his mouth with a satisfied smile, "We could explore the exercise room."
Remus shook his head, "We don't want to ruin our robes."
Sirius pouted, "Oh yeah," he sighed, "Fine by me, I'll just relax here and eat everything on this table."
Harry's lips quirked at his Godfather's antics as he pushed away from the table.
"I'm gonna head up to my room."
He didn't miss the slightly worried looks that Sirius and Remus suddenly wore.
"I'm sure we could find something to do down here that's fun and won't ruin our robes, Harry," Remus implored gently.
"No, it's okay. I actually wanted to look at the library in my bedroom."
Sirius's eyebrows went up, "Library? You're willingly going into a library? Merlin, pup! Don't tell me you're turning into another Moony! He fancied the library a bit too much back at school if you ask me."
Remus rolled his eyes, "Using the library to complete the required assignments is not fancying it."
The two bickered their way into a light-hearted argument about the antics they got up to at school which Harry stayed to listen to a bit before quietly exiting. He did want to peruse the library but not because it held any real interest for him. It was stupid and he would never admit to it but he had a feeling it would make him feel closer to Hermione. He also knew that if his life was changing, hopefully for the better, then he would probably have to become comfortable with being in libraries at some point.
The small library was floor to ceiling with bookcases embedded in the walls and a few rows in between. There were two study desks, as well facing windows that did nothing to hinder the blinding sunlight streaming in. Harry looked out the window and was amazed at the view. It was like living in a dream.
He strode around the room glancing at the titles on the book spines idly wondering what type of information was in them, something he'd never done before. He stopped, abruptly, and asked himself why. Why hadn't he ever wondered what was in a book? Surely, some of them have to hold something fascinating if someone like Hermione found them interesting.
He decided to jump in and test his own theory by grabbing a book titled, 'The Past, Those Days'. He thought the title was odd enough to provide something eye-catching and went over to one of the study tables and sat down in a plush armchair. He opened the thick book whose pages were a light blue and began reading. He was amazed at the fact that from the first words he felt like he'd gotten sucked in. He was taken away to an entirely different world fascinating and terrible. He was so enthralled with what he was reading he didn't hear anything until he felt a hand shaking him. He blinked up in surprise at a bemused Sirius and Remus.
"Alright there, pup?"
He blinked at the both of them, "Huh?"
Sirius snickered and Remus smiled wryly at him, "It must be a fascinating book, Harry. We've both been calling you for at least ten minutes now."
His eyes widened in surprise, "Really? I didn't hear anything."
"I told you, pup. Nothing good comes from being in a library."
"A library is where you got the information to become an animagus," Remus said frankly.
"Oh, yeah. Guess it's not all evil," Sirius grinned.
"Our escort will be here in a few minutes, we were gonna meet the others outside if you wanted," Remus said.
Harry's eyes widened again, "It's been two hours already?!" He looked down at the book in amazement and picked it up to inspect it, wondering if there was some type of enchantment on it, "It feels like I just started reading it."
"That's how it goes with a good book, Harry. Come on," Remus waved him and Sirius out of the room and down the stairs.
Harry was still partially bewildered, though. No wonder Hermione loved books. If that's how it was with every book that she read it was a wonder she'd ever found time to be their friend.
Outside of their apartment he enjoyed the light of the sun on his skin and smiled at Hedwig who came to sit on his shoulder.
"You enjoying the palace, girl?"
Hedwig hoo-ed and tittered while ruffling her feathers in positive affirmation. While further inflating Hedwig's ego by petting and cooing at her, Professor McGonagall came outside looking very regal in her robes with her hair pinned up. Her posture was relaxed in a way that Harry had never seen it. It was strange to see his professor outside of school. Of course, everything that was happening was strange and new.
"Sirius, Remus, Mr. Potter," she nodded at each of them.
They all returned greetings just as the Weasleys all came pouring out of their apartment in a haze of noise and orange hair. After a bit of commotion Mr. Weasley looked up and noticed them. He beamed a wide smile at them.
"Hullo! I suppose we're all meeting out here then?"
Mrs. Weasley was in the process of dressing down the twins about some prank or other all the while imploring them to behave. Bill and Charlie appeared to be in a light argument. Harry strode over to Ron who was rolling his eyes at something Ginny was saying. Hedwig flew off of his arms to a perch in a tree nearby, obviously not at all interested in the human happenings around her.
"Hey, mate. I hope you're coming to save me."
Ginny scoffed, "Save you? Shouldn't he be saving us from you?"
Despite her brass statement she took a quick glance at Harry and turned away, blushing furiously. He sighed internally. He was hoping that Ginny was slowly getting over her crush. He would have thought it was more than obvious by now that whatever she'd been taught about him as a child simply wasn't true. Then again, crushes weren't really logical were they? His infatuation with Cho certainly hadn't been. He felt his own face warm at the thought of the Ravenclaw. He'd thought she was pretty and wanted to be with her, for that reason alone. He wondered if he saw her now would she still have the same effect on him? The thought of starting something up with her after Cedric's death seemed wrong.
Ron groaned, "Do you see what I mean, Harry? A whole palace we're in and I still can't escape her!"
Harry's lips twisted at Ron's predicament. Not for the first time, he wondered if Ron knew just how lucky he was to have a loving family to bicker with and be annoyed by.
"I doubt she's been that bad," he shrugged.
Ginny's eyes widened a bit and her face turned an even darker shade of red. She spun around and quickly walked over to where Bill, Charlie, and Mr. Weasley were now talking with Sirius, Remus, and Professor McGonagall.
Ron gave him a blithe look, "You've gone and done it now."
"I didn't get to ask last night but umm...How are you all enjoying the apartment?"
This time it was Ron's turn to shrug, "It's bloody magnificent, isn't it?"
Harry's eyebrows raised. Ron's glum countenance didn't fit the words. Harry shifted uncomfortably as the seconds stretched on between them.
"What do you think she's doing right now?" Ron finally broke the silence.
"Who?" Harry feigned ignorance.
Ron gave him a weird look, "Hermione. Who else?" he stuck his hands in his trousers, his increasingly lanky form bent over as he scuffed his shoes on the floor, "I mean she tossed us aside yesterday-"
"She didn't," Harry spoke up quickly and without thought.
Ron looked up sharply at that, his face sporting a frown.
"She did. She just threw us in these fancy rooms and went off to do...princess things."
Harry ran a hand through his hair, nervously. He wasn't any happier about not seeing Hermione last night but he knew she hadn't ditched them.
"Ron, she has a whole life we didn't know anything about. She probably has all types of things she has to do that...that would mean she won't get to spend as much time with us."
Even as he said the words something in his stomach sunk heavily and he nearly felt nauseous.
Ron's blue eyes lit up in indignation, "Why even bring us here then? If she's just gonna cast us to the side while she-"
"Ahem."
Everyone turned to see a woman adorned in an elegant robin egg blue dress that flowed about her like moving water. Her brown hair cascaded around her in braids while an intricately woven lariat sat upon her head. Harry was proud that he'd remembered what they were called after Hermione had pointed it out to him in a book, one time. Her dark brown eyes peered at all of them placidly.
"I am Sanine. I will be taking you to meet with the Royal Family."
The woman's voice was deep and velvety with an almost hypnotic accent.
"And just who are you exactly?" Mrs. Weasley asked in a prim voice he'd never heard her use before.
If the woman was offended by Mrs. Weasley's tone or the question posed she didn't show it.
"I am a Dove Columba. I serve the Family just as the Family serves me."
They all blinked a bit in confusion at that.
"Have you all consented to the outing?"
Everyone gave their affirmative. Sanine nodded and clasped her hands in front of her.
"I must inform you that you are guests of the Royal Family and since we will be going in public, you are by extension a representation of them. A certain level of decorum is to be expected when we are among the populus."
There was a moment of silence as they all took her words in, then Mrs. Weasley's voice was heard scoffing.
"Are you saying that we wouldn't know how to act properly?"
Sanine smiled placatingly at Mrs. Weasley, "It is merely protocol to state such things. Your robes will denote your association so your behavior, whatever it may be, will be linked to the Family as well. It is imperative to be impeccable at all times, especially on days as important as this one."
Before Mrs. Weasley could butt in again McGonagall spoke up.
"Perfectly understandable, Sanine. We will do our best to be a proper representative of the Famly."
Sanine gave McGonagall a glittering smile, "Thank you, Minerva. I have no doubt you all will be a testament to your name."
McGonagall seemed surprised that the woman knew her name but smiled in return to the olive branch.
"If you will all follow me," Sanine turned and began gliding out of the area in what had to be a walk that she'd taken years to perfect. Harry doubted people were born walking with such unmitigated grace, even in a place such as this.
The walk was much of the same as when they arrived and no less fascinating. This time he took more effort in trying to soak everything in. The place was massive and magnificent. The architecture was mind-boggling but not surprising since he'd gotten used to Hogwart's magical quirks. One marked difference, he noted, was that there were no moving portraits lining the walls. In fact, there were no portraits at all.
Before he could properly ponder why that was they entered into the large foyer they'd started in. Harry was amazed to see that the immense sunshine that permeated the vast space seemed to be magically seeping through the walls. He would have marveled a bit longer if he wasn't struck by the sight of Hermione.
Her robes weren't like the ones at Hogwarts that were shapeless and sexless. These robes clasped her budding figure. They were a golden cream with a golden trim embroidered in some fancy design. Her hair was pulled back in an elegant french braid that was clasped at several points with a sparkling blue gem. He had been amazed at her beauty at the Yule Ball but that was nothing to the casually elegant look she now wore. The best thing about her appearance was that her eyes were bright and sparkling and she had a wide smile as she eagerly watched them approach.
It had only been hours since he'd last seen her but it'd felt like ages. He wanted to run to her and give her the bone-crushing hug that was her staple but seeing how she was dressed with her parents on her side, guards, and a few other regally dressed people he didn't recognize, he restrained himself. He didn't much feel that he was allowed to so freely touch Hermione. Not that he ever had before. Of course, before he merely struggled with the idea of physical contact. He'd gone so long without it at the Dursleys he wasn't even sure what he was supposed to do. Hermione had been a big help in making him more comfortable with it but he secretly thought that he was only comfortable with touching her. That was a thought that slightly alarmed him.
He noticed that Hermione seemed a bit restrained herself. Despite the eager look on her face and the clear desire to rush towards him she stood still with her parents, practically vibrating with excitement. It brought a huge smile to his face that he didn't see the point in restraining. Ron's words had spread the doubt that was already festering in him but Hermione, despite how fancy she looked, still appeared to be as Hermione as ever.
"I hope that you are all well rested?" Nessa peered at all of them, "We apologize for the broken engagement."
Professor McGonagall who seemed to have unconsciously appointed herself as the ambassador of their ragtag group spoke up.
"That is quite alright, my Queen. The accommodations were beyond satisfactory."
Harry's eyes widened at the formal address. Nessa waved off McGonagall's words with a soft smile.
"Please, just Nessa. I would hate for our friendship going forward to be that of stiff formalities."
McGonagall blinked in surprise at this and then quickly tilted her head in supplication.
"I would be honored."
This invitation of informality seemed to be a silent queue for Hermione as she relaxed her stance and bounded towards him. He felt like there was an explosion of butterflies in his navel when she engulfed him in one of her signature hugs.
"Don't mind me or anything. I'm just the other friend."
Ron's bitter murmurings were barely a whisper but Hermione pulled away from him, anyway with a roll of her eyes.
"Honestly, Ronald. It's not as if you're overly fond of hugs, anyway."
With that gentle and familiar scolding, she pulled him into a hug that despite having just petitioned for he seemed wholly unprepared to handle. His face was red and his arms were held akimbo and twitching as if he couldn't decide whether to wrap them around her or not. He, also, kept glancing at Hermione's father who was watching the display with an intense expression.
"Today is an important day for my family but I thought it would be a great opportunity to give you a glimpse into our world, as well," Chaeus began, "You will be escorted around the town center and allowed to shop while we prepare for the commencement speech."
McGonagall frowned, "It sounds as if we may be a bit of an inconvenience to you."
Chaeus' lips quirked, "Not at all. In fact, I think it's the other way around."
With that said, they were all escorted outside to what looked to him like a circular stone dais that had four steps leading on each side to the top.
"These are portals. Much like a portkey or with apparition," Hermione explained, "It'll transport you safely to the conjoining portal, in the town center."
"I hope I don't hurl on these robes," George or Fred said.
Hermione chuckled, "Don't worry. It has none of the motion sickness of a portkey. You'll be fine."
As everyone climbed the short steps to stand in the circle he looked to Hermione who clearly wasn't joining them and was standing off to the side with her parents.
"You're not coming?" Ron said half accusing and half annoyed.
Hermione looked guilty, "I'm sorry. I wish I could. If there's any time left we're to join you after."
Sensing the disappointment in the children, Nessa wrapped her arm around Hermione and gently kissed her forehead.
"Even if we don't join you all on your shopping spree we will most definitely be together later. You both can catch up with Hermione, then."
Harry nodded grudgingly at that as he looked at Hermione a bit forlornly.
"Enjoy yourselves. Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Chaeus said with a grin.
Nessa gave him a stern look, "That doesn't leave them much room for good behavior, does it?"
Chaeus merely shrugged at that and winked at them. One of the guards standing in the circle with them muttered something and in the next moment everything around him got fuzzy. It was like watching reality dissolve. The next second it was over and he blinked to readjust himself only to find that they were in a new clearing on a causeway. Across from them was a bustling town with sprawling buildings of elaborate stonework designs. People shuffled to and fro all with anxious expressions on their exotic faces.
There was an air of charged excitement that was thick enough to slice through. Where the palace had been subdued elegance and manners the town center was more of an unrestrained joy that still hadn't reached its peak. It was merely bubbling under the surface waiting to explode.
"I think we need to get a few of these stone circles back in our world," Remus remarked.
Sirius grinned widely, "It's gonna be hard going back to portkeys and apparition after that."
"Follow us, please," one of the guards who resembled what he imagined a Viking would have looked like said.
They all shuffled after him trying to take in the crowd and the town along the way. For a second he worried that people would find them strange and stare but they were far too busy to pay them any attention. For that, he was grateful.
The Viking and the three other guards stopped at a shop that had what appeared to be charmed windows with people modeling the clothes that were inside. He thought that was a convenient and interesting bit of magic.
"You're free to explore the town as you see fit. In exactly two hours we will all meet back here for the commencement. If you get lost or need any assistance you need only press your finger to the symbol on your clothes."
The Viking motioned to Arthur who was closest to him as an example. He hadn't even noticed that their clothes had tiny red embroidered x's on the left chest area.
Harry cleared his throat, "What exactly is the commencement?"
The Viking's severe expression turned almost soft as his eyes brightened.
"It is the officiation of the end of one age and the beginning of another. The time of occult is over. We are now thoroughly in the apocalypse. Today is the beginning of all things."
Harry merely blinked at that. He wasn't even sure what it all meant. Anytime he'd heard the word occult or apocalypse none of it meant anything good. He searched the faces around them and they all looked equally confused or unsettled. The Viking didn't notice their discomfort or chose to ignore it as he made a sweeping gesture with his arms.
"I wouldn't want to delay you any further. Please, enjoy yourselves."
"What about money?" Ginny asked in a small voice.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley flushed heavily at the question and Mrs. Weasley opened her mouth but was unable to speak as the Viking spoke up.
"You are guests of the Royal Family. Whatever you choose will be covered by the palace ledger."
With that final statement, the Viking stood sentry while the other guards wandered off to take up similar posts.
"I guess that means it's exploring time," Sirius stated with a wide grin and excited eyes, "Come on."
He grabbed Harry by the arm and proceeded to drag him down the road like a kid in a candy shop, exclaiming over everything that he saw. Sirius' excitement was infectious and in no time Harry was grinning along with their sight-seeing adventure. He vaguely noticed Remus and Ron striding along with them.
He noticed, in wonder, that the shop's names were written in some flowery looking language but at a closer glance, it appeared to dissolve into English. He blinked in confusion.
"What are those?" Ron's voice was filled with awe.
Harry turned to Ron and then followed his eyes to a large shop only a few paces ahead of them. The shop windows showed fierce-looking riders surfboarding through the sky. What was even more amazing was that the riders were doing death-defying tricks in the air. He raised his eyes up further to read the name of the shop. Gylad's Flight. He watched the advertised windows for a few seconds more before he saw Ron rushing excitedly forward. He felt his own feet propelling him before his brain could catch up.
The shop was massive on the inside with a ceiling that reached up to the sky or what appeared to be a sky. There were a couple of people in the shop evidently trying out the merchandise who was flitting around in the illusioned ceiling. Or maybe not. He wasn't sure if the ceiling was real or not. He could hear Sirius and Remus chuckling somewhere behind him but the sound was muffled by the gentle cacophony of the shop and the crowd outside.
He meandered around taking stock of all the alien merchandise around him. There were different types of shoes that flew at different capacities and speeds. There were clothes that managed the same, as well. He found it strange that he didn't see any broomsticks.
"Harry! Look at this!"
Harry quickly followed the sound of Ron's voice to an aisle filled with heavy-looking fabric. Ron gazed at him with an excited grin.
"Magic flying carpets! I never thought I'd see one of these!"
Harry's eyes widened slightly before examining the fabric closely. He reached out and touched a plush-looking Gryffindor red one and was amazed at how deep and soft it felt. Next to each product was a hologram of sorts displaying what the product looked like in action. Some of them were just massive plush rugs that you could sit on and ride others were like massive luxurious tents. Those tended to have a much larger price tag attached, as well.
"I really want one of these."
Ron's eyes gazed desperately and longingly at the rugs in front of him, particularly a garishly orange one that was the exact shade as the Chudley Cannons color. It was modest compared to all of the other rugs and could comfortably fit up to three people. The price tag said, '3g'. Harry wasn't sure what that meant but he doubted 3g in this world was anything cheap, not with how well made everything was.
"So get it."
Ron cast him an anxious look.
"Don't really know what none of this stuff cost. What is 3g?"
Harry shrugged, "Your guess is as good as mine. The guard said everything would go to the palace ledger. I doubt Hermione and her parents would send us out here without any way to purchase anything."
Ron looked around nervously and Harry didn't blame him. He knew what it felt like to be in a store and know you couldn't have anything in there no matter how badly you wanted it. Ron reached out to grab the orange carpet and the hologram display morphed into a young man with gleaming white teeth set in a pleasant face.
"Are you interested in a purchase?"
"Uh-" Ron stuttered for a moment then cleared his throat, "Y-yeah?"
The holographic face merely nodded, "Your purchase will be up at the front when you're done shopping."
The holographic man bleeped out and Harry and Ron both blinked in surprise at one another.
"Blimey! I reckon no one can steal in these stores with that type of magic."
"Yeah," was all Harry could manage, "I guess that means we can get other stuff?"
Ron's face lit up in excitement before he went trudging off to find other things. Harry followed behind feeling himself start to relax as a slow grin grew on his own face.
"Merlin! This place is wicked, Harry!"
While Harry definitely agreed he was too busy looking at a sleek set of black robes that not only enabled easy flight but invisibility at night.
"You thinking about buying that?"
Harry turned in surprise towards a trio of boys who looked a few years older than he and Ron.
"I was just looking."
The boy in question who also resembled a Viking albeit a much younger one turned to the other two boys with him and grinned.
"We should all get one for the celebration tonight. We can do fire tricks alongside the fireworks!"
The other boys seemed to grow incredibly excited at the prospect.
"That's only if you can keep your mother distracted," one of the boys who was shorter and slenderer than the other two scoffed.
"Don't worry, I will," the third boy with russet-colored hair and a mischievous gleam in his eyes said, "Zeias owes me. He's going to keep ma busy for hours."
The young Viking looked unsure, "You sure about that? Your mom may be strict but she's going to want to celebrate like everyone else."
The boy shrugged, "It'll keep her busy long enough for us to put on a show."
The shorter boy gave a put-upon expression, "Yeah, but not enough to get away with it."
The young Viking grinned, "That's the risk we take."
Although Harry found their conversation interesting he decided to go back to perusing the black robes. He didn't necessarily want to take advantage of the Grangers hospitality either but he figured he could pay them back later with funds from his trust vault. Then again, would they accept galleons?
"Find anything?"
Ron ambled up beside him with a flushed face. Harry nearly chuckled at Ron's obvious pleasure. Clearly, he'd been making more than a few purchases.
"Just looking at these robes. They turn invisible at night."
Ron examined the robes with interest.
"Yeah, but it's not like you need the invisibility part."
Harry shrugged.
"Besides, do you really want to look like the Bat of the Dungeons?"
Harry's face twisted as he shot Ron a light-hearted glare.
"This does not look like Snape."
Ron's eyebrows shot up in amusement, "He probably already has one of these in his closet."
Before Harry could respond their attention was diverted to the three boys who were still standing just a couple metres away. What got their attention was the word, 'Princess'.
"No way she'd consider you!" the shorter boy laughed.
The young Viking glared at him, "She has to consider someone!"
The russet-haired one merely shook his head, "I doubt she'd consider any of us. Do you have any idea the level of competition we'd be up against?"
The other two seemed to quietly contemplate this.
"You two are also forgetting the fact that no one's really seen her since she was about ten years old. She was a cute kid then," russet hair shrugged, "She may be a disaster now."
"Oi, don't talk about Hermione like that!"
Ron practically shoved Harry aside in his irritation as he rounded on the trio. He shot Ron an annoyed look before glaring at the three boys.
"Who are you to address the Princess so informally?" the russet-haired boy asked pompously.
Harry could see Ron opening his mouth wide but he beat him to it, "Informally? What exactly were you three talking about just now? If that's not informal talk then I don't know what is!"
The three had the good grace to look abashed.
"Hermione's our friend so don't ever talk about her like that," Ron further admonished them.
"Friend?" the shorter boy stuttered.
"Yes, friend," Harry pushed his glasses further up his nose in irritation, "We don't appreciate you talking about her like that."
The three boys looked at one another for a moment and then broke into laughter. The first to recover was the russet-haired one who Harry was pretty sure now was the unofficial leader of this trio.
"I find it hard to believe that the Princess would ever deign to speak to you, let alone befriend you," he tilted his head in consideration for a moment as Ron spluttered in indignation, "You're outsiders. Lowlanders."
Everyone quieted as the three boys carefully examined him and Ron. Harry fidgeted under their heavy judgment.
"Never met a lowlander before," the young Viking murmured.
The shorter one jabbed russet hair in the side, "Those are royal robes!"
The other two gaped at their robes before straightening their spines.
"Our apologies. We had no idea you were friends of the Royal Family," said russet hair.
Neither Harry or Ron knew what to say to that so they said nothing and the silence stretched on awkwardly between the five of them.
"What are the lowlands like?"
"How do you know the Princess?"
The young Viking and the shorter boy both asked at the same time, eyeing them as if they were a new and strange discovery.
"Uhhh," Ron began as the trio waited patiently, "It's okay, I guess and we go to school together."
Russet hair's eyes lit up, "The Princess was in the lowlands? Is that where she's been all these years?"
Harry and Ron shared an uneasy look. He wasn't sure on what they were allowed to say and seeing as it didn't seem to be common knowledge that Hermione attended Hogwarts he knew it would be best to end the conversation. Thankfully, he was quite literally saved by the bell as a delicate chime resounded throughout the store.
"Ninety-minutes until Commencement," a soft velvety voice resounded all around them.
The three boys shared equally panicked looks and the russet-haired one motioned to the other two.
"Let's get our robes and get going. We don't have much time left."
The three quickly added their robes to the inventory up front via the holographic cashier that they had seen earlier. Before the three could rush off they all inclined their heads towards them.
"It was an honor to meet you both and we apologize again for any perceived slights."
With that, they strode off quickly leaving Harry and Ron looking in bewilderment at each other.
"Well," Ron swallowed, "That was...something."
Harry nodded, "We should hurry up. We only have an hour and a half left."
They stayed in Gylad's Flight a bit longer and Harry did decide to get the robes. At checkout, all of their purchases were neatly stacked to the side and when they informed the cashier that it would go to the palace ledger they could practically see the man's brain explode with excitement. Clearly, his professionalism was more important than his curiosity because he dealt with them quickly without asking them any number of questions he was sure the man was desperate to ask.
They perused a few other shops and managed to amass a small wardrobe of clothes that looked too wicked to ignore. Some of the items in the store were too foreign and had no practical use for them in their own world. Ron still saw fit to grab a couple of those strange ornaments, though.
It was soon nearing the time for them to meet back up at their agreed destination. He and Ron were feeling giddier than they had been in a long time or ever in Harry's case. He knew it wasn't just the light feeling of being in such a magical and mystical place. The more the clock wound down the more excited and jubilant the natives got and it was entirely infectious. Harry, despite the fact that he still wished Hermione was there with them, couldn't keep a silly grin off of his face.
As their quartet neared their meeting place he saw the rest of the group was already there with equally ecstatic expressions. On their way, they had been jostled a few times but always with a quick apology by the bustling citizens. Everywhere they went people were whispering or loudly discussing the Commencement and the celebrations that would follow. Now, as they made their way to the rest of the group it was like fighting to go upstream as the river ran down. Everyone seemed to be moving towards the center of town.
The second they got close enough they could hear Ginny and the twins going on and on about all the things they'd picked up at various stores. He and Ron joined in for a few minutes before the guards beckoned them towards where the crowd was rushing. There had to be people popping in from other places because the crowd in the distance was massive. Harry's eyes widened. He hadn't been able to see down into the town square from where they'd been shopping but nearly at the outskirts of the shopping center he had a better vantage point. The whole place was teeming with what appeared to be thousands of people.
"How are we gonna get through all of that?" Bill wondered aloud.
The Viking guard was the one who spoke up again, "You will be in a reserved area. Please, three of you hold onto each of us. We have less than five minutes."
They all quickly grabbed a hold of the nearest guard and this time reality did not dissolve like the stone dais it merely zipped away. As if someone had spun him quickly and he was left with a feeling of inertia. He was immediately overwhelmed with the cacophony of excitement from the crowd. They were somehow off to the side in an area behind a wall of soldiers but it did not hinder their view of the ancient-looking stage that rested against an even older-looking wall with engraved drawings of an ancient royal family from who knows how long ago.
There were several holographic projections floating around the area with a large timer displayed on it. Currently, it was at 2:01. Harry gave a shuddering breath at the palpable excitement. The tension was so thick he could literally see it in various hues weaving around the townspeople. Their magic must have been manifesting in their excitement and was creating a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors, some of which he'd never seen before.
Soon, the clock reached thirty seconds and the crowd began counting down with it eagerly. Harry noticed that some faces in the crowd had watery eyes. It hit him that this was a sacred moment for these people. He still wasn't sure about everything that was happening but the momentum in the air was filled with promise. A promise so absolute that he felt himself becoming emotional.
"One!" the crowd softly chanted.
Then silence.
Suddenly a loud rumbling sound that resembled a massive horn blowing seemed to be coming from all around them, yet there was no visible source. The sound came in waves creating a strangely beautiful sound before gently petering out. In the reigning silence, all eyes were fixated on the stage. He exchanged anxious looks with the group who all looked as dumbfounded as he did.
The crowd began to gasp and murmur and Harry shuffled so that he could see the stage a bit better. He and Ron exchanged confused glances at the sight of what looked like rain pouring into the center of the stage. His eyes widened slightly when the 'rain' began to take form and revealed three distinct bodies.
It took only half a second before the crowd went absolutely ballistic. The uproar was deafening as the crowd jubilantly celebrated the arrival of the Grangers. They stood resplendently in their ornate robes looking every bit like a royal family. They were each adorned with a crown and the jewels embedded glinted, gleamed, and flashed a myriad of colors as the sunlight hit it, creating an even more awe-inspiring effect.
Harry didn't realize he'd been holding his breath until he felt himself fighting for air and let out a huge breath. He couldn't take his eyes off of Hermione who stood with her head held high on the right side of her father clasping his hand as her mother clasped her father's left. She had a faint pleased smile on her face as she gazed out at the crowd. Her eyes practically sparkled and he knew as her eyes searched the crowd that she was looking for him. He was proven correct when her eyes slid over to their area and they locked eyes. Harry swallowed heavily as she smiled wide at him. She raised her hand and waved towards their area which caused the crowd to go even more insane, if that was possible.
The relentless adulation continued on unabated with seemingly no end in sight until Chaeus
released Nessa and Hermione's hands and stepped forward with his arms raised and began making a quieting motion. The crowd slowly began to calm down though he could tell it was like trying to put a flimsy lid over a boiling pot. Soon the crowd grew silent but he could still see the masses practically about to explode in their elation.
"Hear me, sons and daughters of the brightest stars!" Chaeus' amplified all around them despite the fact that he'd barely raised his voice.
"The day has arrived and the time has been spent. Our solitude has ended. Our sojourning is no more!"
Harry jumped as the soldiers in front of him did some type of synchronized stomping to the shouts of the crowd.
"No more will we be separated from our lost kin. No more will we watch from on high as the world burns without and within," several more shouts and cheers rose up, "The Higher Spirits have chosen us at this moment to heal our world from the gaping wound that has bled for ages. And it is not happenstance!" Chaeus gazed out into the crowd with a sharp yet fond look in his eyes, "You all were chosen just as your brethren below. You were all chosen for this enormous task. You were chosen to be here in this moment to witness what no one else has or will," his firm voice softened to a more gentle sway and Harry felt entranced, "The unification of our world is not only in my hands but yours. It is through your brilliance and toil that will grant us a paradise unknown. A world awesome in its beauty and terrible in its solemnity. Because, my brethren, we will build a new world. A world which will never fall. A world that will know no night. No moon shall touch it for the sun shall never set on its likeness!"
The crowd exploded again and the soldiers in front of them stomped in place again to show their exultation. Only when Chaeus raised his hand did the crowd go quiet again.
"Let us be exuberant, yes," he raised his hand a bit higher when the crowd tried to start up again, "But let us, also, be cautious."
He waited a few moments as silence reigned throughout before he spoke again.
"This world that we have waited so long to build, to restore, will not come easy. It will not be hand-gifted to us as a reward for our faithfulness and devotion. Never forget that we are all soldiers and the road ahead is fraught with perils, trials, and tribulations. The destination is clear and foregone but the journey has just begun," now Chaeus had the visage of a general commanding his troops, "Whether your might be in your sword, mind, or tongue, it is the strength that you possess that will enable us to arrive to that oasis. So take this time, sons and daughters of the unending stars, and celebrate! Drink and be merry because the war for our world and its inevitable glory is at hand!"
The crowd completely lost its mind as Chaeus raised his hands up to finalize his words and the horns from before sounded. This time there was singing from a choir and Harry craned his neck to see that they were on the other side of the town square in their own area adorned in brilliantly yellow robes that appeared to be woven with sunlight. The robes were so bright that it was like staring into miniature suns and what little he could glean from their appearances put the Veela he'd seen at the Quidditch World Cup to shame.
The Grangers all joined hands and bowed deeply to the crowd which sent another wave of insanity rippling through it. They then stood upright and disappeared in the same sparkling-looking rain they'd arrived in. Harry couldn't hear himself think as the crowd around him danced and sung. Fireworks began lighting up the sky as well, except he'd never quite seen fireworks like this. They were corporeal shapes and scenes being displayed in an explosive array of light and color that he knew if he lived a thousand years he'd never have the proper vocabulary to describe. There was a dancing troupe of men and women that the crowd had parted for that synchronized their movements to every harmony and syllable in the music around them.
He found himself laughing and clapping and noticed that everyone else around him was, as well. It was the music, it had to be. It was like a tangible thing weaving around them and lifting their spirits. He felt old wounds on his body being healed and burdens being lifted. He laughed giddily and turned to Ron who was jumping up and down in a goofy manner. Sirius was twirling McGonagll around and instead of sternly admonishing him, she had her head back laughing gaily. Remus was doing some weird snapping with his hands as he danced around in a circle. Mr. Weasley was twirling Mrs. Weasley around with wild abandon. The twins were dancing what looked to be a wild version of the tango. Ginny was jumping up and down trying to sing along with the crowd. Bill and Charlie were dancing to themselves, although, Bill had his eyes trained intensely on the female dancers in the middle of the square.
Unexpectedly, he bent over with a shout as a torrent of pain ripped through his forehead. He took a moment to catch his breath from the pain and felt something drip down the bridge of his nose. He stood back up shakily and touched his nose. He pulled his hand away and examined the substance that coated his fingers. It was a viscous fluid so dark green that he would have thought it was black had it not been for how bright the sun was. He shakily reached his hand up to the scar on his forehead and was horrified to feel that it was throbbing as if it was alive with a steady stream of the green-black substance flowing out.
He swallowed heavily and turned to Sirius who was currently dipping McGonagall just as the song from the choir reached an apex and it felt like his entire head exploded. The scream tore from his throat as if it had been ripped out and the last thing he saw was Sirius and McGonagall's stricken face before everything turned black.
A/N: Hello all :). I just wanted to say that I appreciate each and every view and review. Thank you!