Prelude to the Symphony of Dreams

"dream (drêm) n. A medium for the expression of various aspects of the self typically withdrawn from conciousness."

-Funk and Wagnall's Standard Dictionary

For once, Hermione decided to go to bed before two o'clock in the morning even though she hadn't finished her Transfiguration essay. Yawning, she packed up her books and parchment before stumbling across her Muggle bedroom to pull a pair of pyjamas from the dresser drawer. After she yanked her nightgown over her head, she collasped onto her queen-sized mattress. Staring at the popcorned ceiling, she began to count the tiny raised dots. Hermione was at forty-two when she heard a soft tapping noise. At first she tried to ignore it but the noise bore into her head as it grew louder. Finally, she sat up and stared around for the source.

It was, of course, coming from the closed window, where a large barn owl held a letter in its claws. Hermione stood up to let it in; it dropped its parcel on Hermione's bed before fluttering over to her desk as if expecting something.

Hermione picked up the envelope, which was addressed to 'Hermione Granger, The Upstairs Bedroom, Granger Estate, Hangleton Village.' She stared at it curiously. It was too early to recieve the annual acceptance letter, but it was obviously written in Dumbledore's swirly handwriting. Wondering what it could be, Hermione slit it open and pulled out the single parchment inside.

*

Dear Ms. Granger,

As the top student of your year, you have been chosen for a very special event. Please arrive at the Leaky Cauldron at noon o'clock on the first of July for more information. If this is possible, I await your owl.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster

*

Puzzled, Hermione moved to her desk and reached for a fresh piece of parchment. She wrote a very formal reply before handing it to the tawny owl, who flapped away immediately.

Ten minutes later, she sunk into her usual dreamless sleep.

*

Several weeks later, Hermione arrived in London in her best Muggle clothes, her parents following her like trained monkeys. She headed confidently for the unnoticed pub on the main street. Opening the door cautiously, Hermione gestured her parents in.

"We'll get your textbooks, then, hun." said her mother fondly.

"Alright, mum. I'll talk to Professor Dumbledore and meet you in Madame Malkins." Hermione replied with a small smile. As soon as the bartender Tom had shown Mr. and Mrs. Granger through to Diagon Alley, Hermione looked around for signs of the headmaster. Spotting him in the corner waving merrily, she wove her way to the small table.

"Hermione!" said the professor joyfully. "Good to see you! Sit down!"

"Good afternoon, Professor." Hermione answered as she sat.

"Now, Hermione, I'm sure you're very curious as to why I've called you here." Dumbledore said, turning slightly more serious. "As you know, the Hogwarts staff is very busy and I'm afraid none of the teachers are willing to host this year's special event - - the wedding of Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart and Ms. Rita Skeeter."

Hermione's jaw dropped. "E-excuse me, Professor?"

Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes, I too was surprised when I heard of their engagement. But the couple couldn't find anywhere to hold their wedding - I believe those few who Rita hadn't written about were somewhat agitated by Lockhart - so I agreed to help them. To get to the point, Ms. Granger, would you mind being their wedding planner?"

Hermione blinked. "Of course, Professor, I'd love to."

"You would be paid, of course -- "

"Oh, that's not necessary, Professor. I'd be honored to do anything for the school!"

"That is not the point, Hermione." Dumbledore laughed. "There is no reason for the school not to pay you for your services. Also, you will be allowed access to the staff room and you may eat at the High Table during meals, if you so wish and you are able to go to Hogsmeade whenever necessary. Any charges from the wedding are, obviously, on the bride and groom."

Hermione's jaw had dropped again. "That's a bit much, sir."

"Not at all, Ms. Granger, not at all."

*

Albus Dumbledore watched as Hermione Granger walked away looking confused and sighed. He hated to put such a load on one of his students, but the entire staff despised the former Professor Lockhart, not to mention most of the rest of the wizarding world.

Sipping his herbal tea delicately, Albus prepared for his next task. He had to interview the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, but there was something more pressing on his mind: Lilith Potter.

It was now time to deliver the sixth-year her acceptance letter. A little late, but better late than never, right?

The girl was currently living in a foster home in Liverpool, with a couple in their mid-forties. Albus picked himself up and Apparated to the downtown of the city.

*

I dreamt last night. In the dream, I was with Ron but he disappeared. I looked everywhere, but couldn't find him. Then it started to snow. I was cold when I woke up.

Disclaimer: Since I am really quite lazy, this is the official disclaimer for all chapters. Harry Potter and all related characters and insignia belong to J.K. Rowling.

A/N: The bold above is Hermione dreaming. Hermione's dream, and all the ones following, have been carefully planned out by me, your lovely author, and they all use symbolism. So in case you're wondering, I am a Ron/Hermione fan, but not in this fic, nope.

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