"You Only Live Twice"

Sequel to "Leah"

by Dorthey Star

Chapter Three: Unexpected Gifts

          When she'd come back to life after being dead, Hermione learned to take pleasure in the simple things like sunshine, grass, and food. Hermione was sitting out by the lake, eating an apple, and reading a book on necromancy, when Ron came to sit next to her.

          "I asked Harry something today," he said, looking out at the lake.

          "What'd you ask him?" Hermione asked, looking up from her book. Another thing she'd learned was not to spend too much time studying and to spend more time with those she loved.

          "I asked him if he was in love with you," Ron said quietly. Hermione didn't reply to his statement, so he continued, "He said no, but I could tell that he was lying…Hermione, do you love him like that?"

          "God, what is it with you Weasley's and love?!" Hermione said angrily.

          "What's wrong with you?" Ron asked.

          "Just something Ginny and I talked about yesterday. I didn't mean to take it out on you, and no, I don't love him like that," Hermione said, and walked away. She had plans to go to the Library to get some more studying on necromancy done, but she decided to go up to her dorm when she saw Draco and Pansy together. I don't know what's wrong with me, she thought to herself, I mean, I don't love him, he doesn't love me, he loves her, she loves him. It should all work out perfectly…but somehow it doesn't. Hermione stopped for a moment and shook her head, getting the little voices out of her head. She sat down at her desk and stared at her reflection in the mirror.

          Coming back from the dead had been great, yes, but it had also taken a toll on Hermione. She wasn't eating right and wasn't sleeping right. She still wasn't used to it again yet. There was a tapping at the window. Hermione looked out to see a beautiful tawny owl holding a large parcel. She crossed her room and opened the window, letting the owl fly in. It left once it deposited the gift on her bed. Her birthday was coming up, yes, but she really wasn't expecting anything.

          Carefully, she pulled the paper off the box. Her fingers shook as she opened the lid of a silver box with pearls. There was a sheet of black velvet. She removed it and saw the same dagger that had killed her. She immediately dropped the velvet like it was on fire. She took two steps back, then ran out of the room. 

Disclaimer: everything belongs to JKR except for the title which belongs to whoever wrote the James Bond books.

Author's Note: ah, well, that was interesting, now, wasn't it? All I have to say is have a great Turkey Day and review! (I am writing this on November 20,2001 and it is two days before Thanksgiving Day, and I don't think I'll have a chance to post it before the Thanksgiving holidays are over with). Ciao!