(A/N: Alrighty, here we go....a really long chapter ahead. Warning: slightly
confusing, try to stay with me. Thanks for 150 reviews! You all rock my
socks off! Anyway, once again I'd like to say thanks, I know that last week
was hard, I was just so busy! Hope you all like this next one!!!!!! *hugs
and kisses, Haystack)
Usual disclaimer
~*~*~*~*~*~* CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT: NIGHTTIME SURPRISES
"RON! RON!"
Ron grimaced. The last thing he wanted was anyone to interrogate him about Hermione. He looked around the room. Well now what? Ron asked himself. There was nothing to do...except sleep, and that was the last thing on earth Ron wanted to do.
For several weeks, Ron had been having nightmares. So horrid were these nightmares that Ron dreaded nighttime, where he knew in order to survive throughout the night day he had to sleep. The nightmares ranged from something as simple as a repeat of the Great War or something outlandish like a spider chasing him around a merry-go-round while Harry and the others sat laughing.
Either way, Harry was in all of them, which what made the difference from a dream to a nightmare. But he never spoke a word, only sat there watching and observing everything, which haunted Ron's mind from day to day.
But suddenly Ron heard footsteps, and quickly as he could, got into bed and shut the curtains around them.
"Ron? Ron I want to know wh-" Neville stopped mid sentence when he saw Ron sleeping. He sighed. "Guess I'll talk to you in the mornin'. Goodnight."
Ron felt guilty about tricking Neville but he tried to dismiss the feeling. Neville turned the light off and Ron sighed. He propped himself up to prevent him from falling asleep, thoughts ablaze. But as the hours dragged on, he sank lower, and much to Ron's struggles, his thoughts lulled him to a deep sleep, not even 10 minutes later.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hermione had helped Ginny to bed; the girl was a wreck. As soon as Ginny had calmed down enough, and she made sure that she was all right, Hermione said her goodbye. Sighing deeply, Hermione got ready for bed herself.
Slipping in between the cold covers Hermione's mind was racing. How she missed Harry! Everyone was so messed up, they could all be happy if only Harry was here. Fate was so cruel.
After loosing her parents, Hermione wasn't sure if she believed in a God anymore. Her parents had been pretty religious people, but Hermione herself had never had a really special bond with God, though of course she believed in him. But now, after loosing Luna and Harry and more recently though not in the same way, Draco and Ron, she doubted even more. How could she be put through so much pain?
Sighing again, Hermione forced the thoughts out of her mind. It was easier if she didn't think about it, easier if she didn't think at all. If only Hermione could numb her mind and heart of all thoughts and feelings!
Before she knew it though, the 16-year-old had fallen into deep slumber.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next day, Ron sat tiredly on the couch, rubbing his eyes for he hadn't gotten any sleep the following night, and looking longingly at the chessboard that brought painful memories. The others were busy doing homework on the other side of the common room. How Ron wished he could play chess again with Harry.
"Stop it Ron...Harry's dead." He said to himself.
"Am I?" a voice said from behind. Ron jumped into the air.
"Harry?!" Ron asked amazed
"Hey Ron" Harry said, grinning. But it took less than half a second before Ron had Harry in a bear hug tighter than any other before. "Wow, didn't realize you missed me that much" Harry teased
"That's not funny Harry." Ron said wiping his tears off his face.
"Sorry Mate." But Ron couldn't respond for a shriek had sounded from the other side of the room.
Hermione approached Harry, hand covering her open mouth. "Harry?" she asked
"Hey 'Mione"
"Oh HARRY!" She screamed before she threw her arms around him. He hugged her tightly. They held each other for several seconds, Ron grinning so wide you wouldn't have thought possible. Harry then opened up, inviting Ron to join. He did gladly. They were together again; the 'golden trio' was back.
But the little group pow wow lasted only a few moments before Hermione pulled away and stared into the distance. Harry and Ron both followed her gaze, which rested on a petite red head in the corner.
Ginny was crying. Harry looked at them both, eyes telling them to give him a moment. He slowly walked towards Ginny, who's eyes grew wide. Harry didn't stop walking until they were a foot apart.
"Hey Gin"
"H-Harry? Is it really you?"
"Its me Gin."
Ginny looked from his grinning face, to his messy windblown hair, to his sparkling emerald eyes and that's when she knew that Harry was back.
"Oh Harry!" She said but the rest of her words were lost when Harry swept her into his strong arms and kissed her. Ginny had never been kissed like that before. Their kiss was so hungry and so full of passion that Ginny thought she'd die. Harry broke away.
"I love you Ginny... Don't think I really got to tell you properly last time." Harry said breathlessly.
"Harry, I missed you so much! Harry don't ever leave again! Just stay with me forever!" Ginny insisted, wiping her tears away, as Harry held her.
"You got it!" He said, eyes twinkling with happiness but his tone became serious. "I'd thought you'd moved on"
"Harry you know that I wouldn't be able to!" Harry began to respond to this when he was interrupted by a high-pitched squeal.
"Harry!"
Harry spun around to see Neville running towards him. The boys hugged.
"Harry I though you were gone forever!"
"Nope, you guys can't get rid of me just like that!" Harry teased
Ron and Hermione who had watched all of this came up to Harry. Ron slapping him on the shoulder. Hermione placing a hand upon his shoulder affectionately. Ginny hugging his arm. Everyone was smiling broadly.
"We're so glad your back Harry."
"Me too" Harry joked.
"But Harry...how?" Hermione asked amazed, "You couldn't have through the veil. I'd already tried that"
"Dumbledore." Harry said simply
"What do you mean Dumbledore?" Ron asked
"Dumbledore said that after Hermione came to him he began thinking of ways to bring me back. And while in the library, he came across a book in the restricted section and began looking through it until he came across a spell that retrieved someone from the dead. It was an immensely complicated spell and took him many weeks to get it down perfectly. But as soon as he could, he did it. And it was like I woke up from an immensely long nap. And...here I am" Harry said chuckling
The others just beamed, Hermione especially. Dumbledore had kept his promise to try, and he'd done it... he'd brought Harry back.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Later that day, the group was huddled on the couch talking and laughing. The day had been great. With Harry back, everything seemed perfect. Ron and Hermione were friends again, and there wasn't a tear or a frown the entire day. Ron and Neville were sitting on the couch, Hermione in the chair opposite them, and Harry leaning against the couch with Ginny in his arms.
"Did you see the look on Goyle's face when he saw Harry? Priceless!" Ron exclaimed. The group laughed. There were a few seconds of silence, every individual reflecting on the events of the day.
"It's been great to see you all" Harry said breaking the silence. "I'm glad to see you all happy again." The others nodded in agreement. Harry checked his watch, "Well I better get going"
"What?" Ron asked quickly, heart already beating fast.
"Where are you going?" Neville asked curiously
"Just somewhere" Harry said gently.
"How long will you be gone?" Hermione asked worriedly
"A while." Harry said smiling, "Until you all come"
"No Harry. You're not going. I'm not going to let you out of my sight ever again." Ginny said surprisingly firm.
Harry who had stood up, bent down to Ginny. "I have to go"
"No you promised you'd never leave me"
"I never will" Harry said softly putting his hand on her confused face.
"Harry mate, you only just got back here, you can't go now," Ron said, attempting to get Harry to stay.
"It's okay Ron, you've got everyone else here. I'm may be your best mate but I'm not your only friend. You can survive a while without me."
Ron stared at him curiously and Harry continued, "Like Hermione. Hermione you and I were the best friends. What ever happened to that? I came back and it was like you two weren't even friends."
Ron looked to the floor, slightly ashamed. "Well...you weren't here."
"Since when do I have to be here for you all to have fun and be friends?" Harry asked, smirk playing at his lips. The others looked at each other, Harry was right. There was silence and once again Harry broke it.
"Hermione?" Harry asked, motioning for Hermione to join him.
"Yes Harry?"
Harry lowered his mouth to her ear and whispered, "What happened to Draco? I didn't see him." His eyes twinkled with amusement.
Hermione's eyes widened, "I uh we--"
But Harry put a finger to her lips, "Don't deprive yourself of things that your heart wants. Don't be afraid to love him."
"Harry what--?"
"Just remember that. Okay?"
Hermione nodded.
Harry then turned his attention back to the four people in front of him. "Bye everyone" Harry kissed Ginny, whispered an "I love you" and hugged Neville, Hermione, and Ron.
And just like that, as if it were some trick, Harry disappeared with a hiss. And somewhere in Hogwarts, four teenagers smiled in their sleep, even through their tears; and all whispered the same word...
"Harry"
~*~*~*~*~*~*
(Woo hoo...hope it wasn't too confusing. Harry was back, I love writing him. More to come, stay with me! Luv Haystack)
Usual disclaimer
~*~*~*~*~*~* CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT: NIGHTTIME SURPRISES
"RON! RON!"
Ron grimaced. The last thing he wanted was anyone to interrogate him about Hermione. He looked around the room. Well now what? Ron asked himself. There was nothing to do...except sleep, and that was the last thing on earth Ron wanted to do.
For several weeks, Ron had been having nightmares. So horrid were these nightmares that Ron dreaded nighttime, where he knew in order to survive throughout the night day he had to sleep. The nightmares ranged from something as simple as a repeat of the Great War or something outlandish like a spider chasing him around a merry-go-round while Harry and the others sat laughing.
Either way, Harry was in all of them, which what made the difference from a dream to a nightmare. But he never spoke a word, only sat there watching and observing everything, which haunted Ron's mind from day to day.
But suddenly Ron heard footsteps, and quickly as he could, got into bed and shut the curtains around them.
"Ron? Ron I want to know wh-" Neville stopped mid sentence when he saw Ron sleeping. He sighed. "Guess I'll talk to you in the mornin'. Goodnight."
Ron felt guilty about tricking Neville but he tried to dismiss the feeling. Neville turned the light off and Ron sighed. He propped himself up to prevent him from falling asleep, thoughts ablaze. But as the hours dragged on, he sank lower, and much to Ron's struggles, his thoughts lulled him to a deep sleep, not even 10 minutes later.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hermione had helped Ginny to bed; the girl was a wreck. As soon as Ginny had calmed down enough, and she made sure that she was all right, Hermione said her goodbye. Sighing deeply, Hermione got ready for bed herself.
Slipping in between the cold covers Hermione's mind was racing. How she missed Harry! Everyone was so messed up, they could all be happy if only Harry was here. Fate was so cruel.
After loosing her parents, Hermione wasn't sure if she believed in a God anymore. Her parents had been pretty religious people, but Hermione herself had never had a really special bond with God, though of course she believed in him. But now, after loosing Luna and Harry and more recently though not in the same way, Draco and Ron, she doubted even more. How could she be put through so much pain?
Sighing again, Hermione forced the thoughts out of her mind. It was easier if she didn't think about it, easier if she didn't think at all. If only Hermione could numb her mind and heart of all thoughts and feelings!
Before she knew it though, the 16-year-old had fallen into deep slumber.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next day, Ron sat tiredly on the couch, rubbing his eyes for he hadn't gotten any sleep the following night, and looking longingly at the chessboard that brought painful memories. The others were busy doing homework on the other side of the common room. How Ron wished he could play chess again with Harry.
"Stop it Ron...Harry's dead." He said to himself.
"Am I?" a voice said from behind. Ron jumped into the air.
"Harry?!" Ron asked amazed
"Hey Ron" Harry said, grinning. But it took less than half a second before Ron had Harry in a bear hug tighter than any other before. "Wow, didn't realize you missed me that much" Harry teased
"That's not funny Harry." Ron said wiping his tears off his face.
"Sorry Mate." But Ron couldn't respond for a shriek had sounded from the other side of the room.
Hermione approached Harry, hand covering her open mouth. "Harry?" she asked
"Hey 'Mione"
"Oh HARRY!" She screamed before she threw her arms around him. He hugged her tightly. They held each other for several seconds, Ron grinning so wide you wouldn't have thought possible. Harry then opened up, inviting Ron to join. He did gladly. They were together again; the 'golden trio' was back.
But the little group pow wow lasted only a few moments before Hermione pulled away and stared into the distance. Harry and Ron both followed her gaze, which rested on a petite red head in the corner.
Ginny was crying. Harry looked at them both, eyes telling them to give him a moment. He slowly walked towards Ginny, who's eyes grew wide. Harry didn't stop walking until they were a foot apart.
"Hey Gin"
"H-Harry? Is it really you?"
"Its me Gin."
Ginny looked from his grinning face, to his messy windblown hair, to his sparkling emerald eyes and that's when she knew that Harry was back.
"Oh Harry!" She said but the rest of her words were lost when Harry swept her into his strong arms and kissed her. Ginny had never been kissed like that before. Their kiss was so hungry and so full of passion that Ginny thought she'd die. Harry broke away.
"I love you Ginny... Don't think I really got to tell you properly last time." Harry said breathlessly.
"Harry, I missed you so much! Harry don't ever leave again! Just stay with me forever!" Ginny insisted, wiping her tears away, as Harry held her.
"You got it!" He said, eyes twinkling with happiness but his tone became serious. "I'd thought you'd moved on"
"Harry you know that I wouldn't be able to!" Harry began to respond to this when he was interrupted by a high-pitched squeal.
"Harry!"
Harry spun around to see Neville running towards him. The boys hugged.
"Harry I though you were gone forever!"
"Nope, you guys can't get rid of me just like that!" Harry teased
Ron and Hermione who had watched all of this came up to Harry. Ron slapping him on the shoulder. Hermione placing a hand upon his shoulder affectionately. Ginny hugging his arm. Everyone was smiling broadly.
"We're so glad your back Harry."
"Me too" Harry joked.
"But Harry...how?" Hermione asked amazed, "You couldn't have through the veil. I'd already tried that"
"Dumbledore." Harry said simply
"What do you mean Dumbledore?" Ron asked
"Dumbledore said that after Hermione came to him he began thinking of ways to bring me back. And while in the library, he came across a book in the restricted section and began looking through it until he came across a spell that retrieved someone from the dead. It was an immensely complicated spell and took him many weeks to get it down perfectly. But as soon as he could, he did it. And it was like I woke up from an immensely long nap. And...here I am" Harry said chuckling
The others just beamed, Hermione especially. Dumbledore had kept his promise to try, and he'd done it... he'd brought Harry back.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Later that day, the group was huddled on the couch talking and laughing. The day had been great. With Harry back, everything seemed perfect. Ron and Hermione were friends again, and there wasn't a tear or a frown the entire day. Ron and Neville were sitting on the couch, Hermione in the chair opposite them, and Harry leaning against the couch with Ginny in his arms.
"Did you see the look on Goyle's face when he saw Harry? Priceless!" Ron exclaimed. The group laughed. There were a few seconds of silence, every individual reflecting on the events of the day.
"It's been great to see you all" Harry said breaking the silence. "I'm glad to see you all happy again." The others nodded in agreement. Harry checked his watch, "Well I better get going"
"What?" Ron asked quickly, heart already beating fast.
"Where are you going?" Neville asked curiously
"Just somewhere" Harry said gently.
"How long will you be gone?" Hermione asked worriedly
"A while." Harry said smiling, "Until you all come"
"No Harry. You're not going. I'm not going to let you out of my sight ever again." Ginny said surprisingly firm.
Harry who had stood up, bent down to Ginny. "I have to go"
"No you promised you'd never leave me"
"I never will" Harry said softly putting his hand on her confused face.
"Harry mate, you only just got back here, you can't go now," Ron said, attempting to get Harry to stay.
"It's okay Ron, you've got everyone else here. I'm may be your best mate but I'm not your only friend. You can survive a while without me."
Ron stared at him curiously and Harry continued, "Like Hermione. Hermione you and I were the best friends. What ever happened to that? I came back and it was like you two weren't even friends."
Ron looked to the floor, slightly ashamed. "Well...you weren't here."
"Since when do I have to be here for you all to have fun and be friends?" Harry asked, smirk playing at his lips. The others looked at each other, Harry was right. There was silence and once again Harry broke it.
"Hermione?" Harry asked, motioning for Hermione to join him.
"Yes Harry?"
Harry lowered his mouth to her ear and whispered, "What happened to Draco? I didn't see him." His eyes twinkled with amusement.
Hermione's eyes widened, "I uh we--"
But Harry put a finger to her lips, "Don't deprive yourself of things that your heart wants. Don't be afraid to love him."
"Harry what--?"
"Just remember that. Okay?"
Hermione nodded.
Harry then turned his attention back to the four people in front of him. "Bye everyone" Harry kissed Ginny, whispered an "I love you" and hugged Neville, Hermione, and Ron.
And just like that, as if it were some trick, Harry disappeared with a hiss. And somewhere in Hogwarts, four teenagers smiled in their sleep, even through their tears; and all whispered the same word...
"Harry"
~*~*~*~*~*~*
(Woo hoo...hope it wasn't too confusing. Harry was back, I love writing him. More to come, stay with me! Luv Haystack)