Left Behind

Chapter 2

As Harry watched Hedwig fly away, he thought about Hermione's reaction to his unexpected letter. Worse, he thought about how he'd tell her about his feelings. With that in mind, he decided to think about what he'd say to Hermione when he saw her. Hmmm, ok, well. "Hi Hermione." That's a good start. "How are you?" No, no, no, no that sounds dumb. "I know it's been a while since I last saw you…" Yea that sounds good, I guess… He continued to pace in his room. He really didn't know what to say to her. Why had he been so dumb? Why didn't he keep in touch? Hours seemed to go by, still no reply. It was Wednesday today. He had off, cause of Christmas just around the corner. Boy, that was the best part of being in training; they always let you off the hook for weeks, or maybe even months at a time. He thought very particularly about this Christmas though, he wasn't going to spend it alone.  He wanted to spend it with someone other than Hedwig for a change. He only hoped she would reply soon or his head would explode!

Meanwhile, not too far away in London, a girl of 20 was sitting at her desk at the familiar school of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Not just a student desk, but a teacher's desk. Yes, Hermione Granger was a teacher…well almost. Like Harry, she was being "trained" or rather observing the many wonders of how to be a teacher. This was her job. She was to take over for Professor Flitwick's class after he retired this year. Hmmm that's only 6 months away. She thought happily to herself. Until then she was to help out the students and teachers until her "training" was up. Hermione of course was already prepared for what her future students would be learning, and that would be Charms. How she loved that class when she was a student here. She could remember very clearly on the first day of Charms how she succeeded in using the spell Wingardium Leviosa. How she showed Ron. That thought sent a giggle out of her mouth. How dumb we were. She couldn't believe she got so upset because of what Ron had said about her that Halloween night. Which actually turned out for the better considering that was the day the trio was officially formed. 

It was the last day before Christmas holiday. Hermione was being sent back to her London home (not too far from Harry's). "Are you sure you can manage without me professor?" she had said earlier that day.

 "Yes, of course we'll manage Hermione". Professor Flitwick said.

 "Yes but I know how the kids get on the holidays sir. Since you know, I graduated not so long ago" she continued, remembering all the late night parties that would go on in Gryffindor tower.

 "Hermione please, you've been such a wonderful help, you need a break. Now go! I'll see you shortly after New Years".

With that, she decided not to argue a moment longer, and proceeded to go and pack up her stuff for the holiday break. She would return yes, but something in the back of her mind was nagging about something. What was it? Perhaps Harry? Where had that come from? Why is she all of sudden thinking of him. Clearly, he didn't want anything to do with her, since it being 3 years and all. As she scooped up her last belongings, she sat there for a while, staring at the desks in front of her. So this is how it feels to be the top dog. She thought to herself. She laughed at that for a second. Soon though, it will be I who stands here and lectures about Charms. She couldn't wait for that day, just a little longer and she'd take over Professor Flitwick's position. With that in her mind, she held all of her stuff in one hand, grabbed her wand with the other and disapparated back to her home at last.

As she put her belongings away, she noticed that a very familiar bird was perched on the outside of her bedroom window. "Hedwig!" she screamed for joy. "What are you doing here?" she quickly grabbed the letter that she knew had to be from none other than Harry. Harry Potter. She couldn't believe that out of the blue he decided to write to her. It hurt. He hurt her. Why now? Why after so many years did he decide to write to her? Her hands were shaking as she opened the letter. As she read it, she couldn't help but fall to the couch as all the memories soon came back to her. All the quidditch games, all the battles, winnings, Voldermort, Harry. "He wants to meet for lunch?" she said out loud to no one in particular. "Something he wants to tell me? What does he mean by that? Tell me what?" She couldn't think for long because a very angry Hedwig was waiting impatiently for a reply. So, with that she gave in and grabbed some parchment and quill. She had no idea what to write. This came as such a shock to her. She was afraid. Afraid of him. Afraid of everything. It took her a minute but she decided to go along with this invitation and wrote this.

Dear Harry,

I have to tell you that this came as such a shock when I received this letter. But I am willing to accept this invitation. Yes, I will meet you in front of the Three Broomsticks on Saturday evening. I have to be honest Harry I'm scared. I don't know what of though. I just hope this  "meeting" isn't about anything bad. Until then, take care, and I'll see you on Saturday.

Love,

Hermione

"Here you are Hedwig." She said to the owl. Hedwig gave her usual hoot and took off. Flying to wherever Harry awaited her return.