Disclaimer: The following snippet of H/Hr belongs in a dream sequence of mine from last night. I do not own anything except the content of my dreams.
Just a Dream
It was a pandemonium of laughter, elation, and utter relief by the wizarding world. The world was in utter chaos as the allies celebrated loudy in the midst of vast destruction. Dust, dirt, grime covered the streets. Broken lanterns, burned down houses, and fallen furniture covered the streets and alleys. It seems no structure or statue had evaded the killing curse. Pebbles and pieces had splattered all over the alley where Harry stood. Alas, evil had been vanquished. Voldemort's army of Death Eaters had been defeated. The boy who lived had emerged triumphant.
Harry stood in the midst of a deafening loud celebration of the wizarding world. Random people had come up to him to hug him from the side. Someone, perhaps Kingsley had patted him excitedly on the head. He wasn't sure, as Harry had remained frozen, in disbelief that after seven long tempestuous years of hardship and suffering, it was finally over. The world erupted in unprecedented celebration. Family members hugged each other in tears of joy and relief. Best mates fist punched in excitement and happiness. Everyone was busy falling all over each other all around Harry in utter and complete elation. Only Harry had remained frozen, stoic.
When Harry recovered from his initial trance of disbelief and shock. He quickly realized that his subconscious had urged him to seek out someone. Not just anyone, but his best friend, Hermione Granger. For the life of him, at the time, Harry had not realized why he felt the urge to find Hermione immediately. It was perhaps the need to be reassured that she was alive and well, or at least breathing and okay. During the final moments before his last confrontation with Voldemort, Harry became separated from his best friends. Hermione had been dueling Bellatrix with a few other order members. Ron had left to search for his brothers.
Although Hermione had promised to stay by his side, they had inadvertently separated, and not by choice. After the last encounter with Dolohov, Harry had refused to let Hermione leave his side. He still blamed himself for his lapse of constant vigilance that allowed Dolohov to use the purple flame curse against Hermione, which almost cost her her life. Since then, Harry had learned his lesson; he must not allow Hermione to become separated from him at all cost. He must make sure that he was there, alert and present, to protect her. He had been devastated the last time Hermione had been injured. He hated the feeling of utter helplessness he felt when he saw her fall directly in front of him. A familiar wave of panic settled in Harry's stomach.
Speaking of which, where is Hermione? Harry thought worriedly.
Harry couldn't find her anywhere.
Harry had separated himself from the others to search for his best friend. He swept past Mrs. Weasley who had been hugging Ginny with tears of relief. He almost rammed into Luna and her father, both standing out in pink and turquoise (they had worn their lucky combat robes). Harry mumbled a brief apology and moved on forward.
Where is Hermione? Harry asked himself.
Why isn't she the first to appear by his side like always.
I knew I shouldn't have been separated from her. Harry thought with pained regret.
Harry had quickly pushed past the others and circled the alley twice. Still Hermione did not appear. The wave of panic had heightened into a sense of urgency. Something is quite wrong. Normally, Hermione would be the first one to appear by his side, either to rush at him checking to see if he is hurt. Or congratulating him with a hug or a kiss on the cheek. So, when she did not appear, Harry immediately sensed that something was very wrong. The wave of panic continued wishing and washing in his grueling stomach.
When Harry had retraced his steps back to Hogwarts, he noticed that a large party had impromptuly taken place in the entrance hall. A large sparkling crystal chandelier dangled precariously in the darkening night sky. Warm candlelight washed over Harry in a comforting haze, hiding his increasing pallor. Apple cider and pumpkin juice were served in tinkling glasses. A towering fountain with beautiful starlings surrounding the fresh water basin tinkled in the middle of the hall.
Harry entered the entrance hall, in search of Hermione. Immediately, Justin Finch Fletchley came toward him.
"Hey everyone, it's Harry! Harry Potter has come to join our party!" Justin yelled to a group of chattering Hufflepuffs. Everyone glanced in their direction. A few people including some of the six year girls bustled over to them.
"Harry! You are so brave! You are our hero!" They smiled and simpered.
Harry ignored them.
"Hey Justin, have you seen Hermione?" Harry asked in a rush.
"Hermione Granger?" Justin frowned. "No, no, I don't think so. Wasn't she with you?" Justin asked back at Harry.
Harry ignored his question and moved past the Hufflepuffs. He almost crashed into a few upper year Ravenclaws as Harry raced towards the back of the room.
"Watch it!" someone said sharply.
As he turned around, Harry vaguely saw Terry Boot gave him a sour look before realizing it was Harry Potter. He quickly turned back to his friends and pretended that nothing happened. Harry swept past them in a hurry in search of his best friend.
Finally, Harry found a group of Gryffindors lingering in the back of the room. He found Ron first.
"Ron, Ron, have you seen Hermione?" Harry rushed out in one breath.
"Harry mate, you're- you're here." Ron said nervously.
Something's not quite right. Harry can sense it, the surge of nerves rumbled in his belly.
"Ha-Harry!" Neville stuttered startlingly.
Harry glanced at Neville meaningfully. Somehow, Neville can't quite meet his eyes. He keeps on glancing at the floor, as if he is afraid of Harry's searching gaze.
"Neville! You have seen Hermione, haven't you?" Harry charged in a heated voice.
"Where is Hermione?" Harry asked searchingly as he glanced amongst the Gryffindors.
"Harry-mate-there is something you should know…" Ron said in a reluctant tone.
"Hermione-Hermione, she's…" Ron trailed off nervously.
"Mr. Potter," a stern voice approached Harry from behind.
It was Professor McGonagall.
"I know you are worried about Miss Granger. She had been worried about you too. So much that she was not quite focused when she was dueling Bellatrix. She kept on getting distracted for some reason. She was not at her best. So, I'm afraid…"
"NO! NO! Hermione! She- she, I can't! I- I- need her!" Harry bellowed like a wounded animal.
"Now, it is not the worst case scenario." Professor McGonagall continued.
Harry glanced at her desperately.
"She is not dead." Professor McGonagall said firmly. "However, she is heavily injured by an unknown curse. It is not the killing curse. It is a curse that renders the victim unconscious. I don't know if or when she'll ever wake up. That is not up to us." Professor McGonagall said quietly as she attempted to sooth Harry.
"She-she is not dead?" Harry muttered with tears in his eyes. "She's still alive?" He asked weakly at Professor McGonagall.
It was as if suddenly, all the power had left his body. He could barely hold himself up, much less think straight.
"Only just." reassured Professor McGonagall.
"But, it's a start. We've already taken her to St. Mungos. The healers have examined her. They are doing all they can do. They have never encountered a curse like this before. Now, they will need to move her to a place where she can rest and hopefully recover-"
"Take her to my place-" Harry interrupted, "-take her to Grimmauld's Place." Harry said firmly.
"Her parents currently do not know she exists. She obliviated their memories before coming with me to search for Horcruxes. I'm the only family she has." Harry said in a melancholy voice.
"Alright. If you insist. We can make arrangements for that to happen." Professor McGonagall answered softly, "Now, Miss Granger is in a very fragile state. She will need constant care and attention. Do you think you can provide that for her?" Professor McGonagall asked tentatively.
"I will do my best. I will- I will do anything for Hermione to get better. I'm the only one she has. She is everything to me." Harry said with determination.
The rest of Hogwarts carried on in their festivities, leaving all their fears, worries, and sorrows behind. Only, Harry remained in a stoic mood. All of the sudden, the war, the victory over Voldemort all faded away into the background. It was as if they were very trivial. Almost meaningless. Utterly meaningless. Harry only now realized that nothing matters without Hermione by his side. Nothing matters without her.
Please get better. Harry prayed silently into the daunting night.
A/N: Please Read and Review. I wrote this snippet showing how worried Harry was for Hermione's safety. It was present all throughout OotP when Harry and Hermione went to the Department of Mysteries. It has just been highlighted and expanded. We often have Hermione worrying over Harry, I just want to write a piece showing Harry's similar concern for Hermione. In my dream, Harry was frantically worried for Hermione, willing to do anything to ensure she gets better. My dream also expands well after the content of this sequence. I may decide to write more, if I can remember, if people are willing to read and leave feedback. Thanks so much for reading! Happy H/Hr!