Chapter 14 Learning the Past
The great doors opened to them. Sara held Ron's hand when they walked through. Harry was holding Eric who was moving around to try and see everything. They walked slowly together. Sara was fascinated by the castle. Ron and Harry lead her through the great hall and down the corridors. Classes were still in session so they did not run into any students.
Sara was taken to the library and some of the classrooms. What had made Sara jump was the paintings. The paintings were moving! She had to stare at them for a while just for the realization to settle.
Ron had asked her if she was still doing alright after they started walking. Sara said yes, even though she was nervous about what she was seeing.
Ginny had asked if she could sense any kind of memory of the school. Sara just shook her head. Nothing at all was familiar.
What Sara saw next made her gasp. She saw a ghost. A real transparent ghost.
"Hello Sir Nicholas." Harry said.
"A good day to you, Mr. Potter." The ghost said. "Can this be Miss Granger."
"Yes it is," Ron said. "I suppose everyone got the news that we would be here today."
"It was quite the stir. Madam Pomphrey and Madam Shawns are waiting for you in the hospital wing. I am sure Professor McGonagall will be there shortly. I will send word ahead that you have arrived."
"Thank you." Ron said. "We best head that way. Ginny why don't you show Eric to the Gryffindor Tower? He should be getting used to going there. Watch out for that trick step."
"Alright. Ready Eric?" Ginny said taking him from Harry.
"We better go and do this." Harry said. "Are you ready Hermione?"
"Yes," Hermione said. "Where is the hospital wing?"
They walked down to the hospital wing. Sara entered into an open bay of beds with curtains around them. They were greeted by Madam Pomphrey and Madam Shawns.
"It's so nice to be back at the school." Madam Pomphrey said taking Hermione by the shoulders. "You are very brave to try this procedure. Madam Shawns was very kind to allow us to use her office."
"Anything for one of the best witches to come out of Hogwarts. Even if half the stories are true." Madam Shawns said. "It is quite an accomplishment for a second year to turn herself into a cat."
"Only partially." Madam Pomphrey said. "After she coughed up all those hairballs I know she decided not to do it again."
Sara looked apprehensive.
"I set this up for you in the office so you would not be disturbed." Madam Shawns said opening the door to them. "We'll be out here if you need us. Come in don't be shy. Take as long as you need."
Harry thanked Madam Pomphrey and Madam Shawns for their help. He then closed the door behind him. Ron stood with Hermione ready to begin.
After the door was secure Harry pulled out his wand. He used it to move the two beds in the room side by side. He then summoned the chair in between them. "It is best if you both lay down. That way you can relax." He then took a seat on the chair. "I can't make any promises about this being comfortable."
Ron gave Hermione the bed on Harry's right while he took the one on the left. He was a bit nervous about this, but she wanted to do this.
Harry took Hermione's hand in his right hand and Ron's hand in his left. "Before we begin I want you both to know that you are my family. I care deeply for you both. Now relax. Ron, think about all of your memories of Hermione and concentrate on them. Hermione relax and open your mind, accept his memories."
They each closed their eyes and waited. Ron was thinking about the first time that he saw Hermione. Harry concentrated on that memory. He saw it not only through his eyes but Ron's. Harry then passed the memory to Hermione.
Sara laid there and waited for something to happen. After a moment images started entering her mind, like watching it being acted out.
She saw a girl about eleven enter a train car. She proceeded to talk very quickly with the two boys she knew as Ron and Harry. She saw herself talking about his scar and his fame.
The images then moved forward. Next she was learning how to ride a broomstick. She watched as Harry did it without being taught. Afterwards were classes. Then she saw what looked like a three headed dog.
Sara then saw herself plastered against a wall. A huge thing was approaching her somehow she realized that it was a Troll. Harry might have put that in her mind as well. She saw Ron and Harry save her. Then she saw herself lie to protect Ron and Harry. That had been the beginning of their friendship.
She then went on to go through a giant chess board. The memories continued in broken fragments. All were taken from Ron or Harry's point of view.
Her mind continued to allow the memories in. She watched Harry and herself save Ron from a giant dog. Then save a man named Sirius from being beheaded.
The next images that came to her mind, a ball. She saw herself in a beautiful dress robes and dancing with a boy that was older than her. Sara got the feeling that Ron did not like him too much.
More images came. She saw herself fighting people in dark cloaks. Sara watched people dieing around her. She then came to the moment that she and Ron saved Harry's life.
The images then stopped and she felt like resting. Her body agreed.
"What's going on?" Ron jumped out of his bed when he felt Harry let go of his mind. He was fine, but Hermione looked like she had passed out.
"It's okay. Her mind is just sorting through all of the memories." Harry had to hold Ron back. "Let her rest."
"Fine." Ron said. "Least we can do is she to it she's comfortable." Ron repositioned Hermione into a better position so she could sleep. He was very careful not to wake her. Ron fluffed the pillow and slipped her loafers off.
Harry held his tongue as he stood back. He had taken the bad memories as well as the good from Ron's mind. Even though he could tell Ron was fighting it the entire time. What he wouldn't tell Ron about was they way Hermione had reacted during some of the more intense memories of their lives. Her body would jerk or she seemed to be trying to move away. But Harry had held her hand and the connection. He cared for her like he would a sister and hated giving her the sadder memories, but he knew it had to done.
After Ron had finished Harry had grabbed him by the shoulders and lead him outside where Madam Pomphrey, Madam Shawns, and Professor McGonagall were waiting.
"I think it worked." Harry had said. "She is asleep right now, but hopefully her memories will surface once she wakes."
"Good," Professor McGonagall said. "It would be nice to have her back."
The doors to the wing opened. Ginny entered followed by Eric. "I think we saw everything." She said. "He didn't want to leave the Quidditch Pitch or Hagrid's Hut."
"He is your son," Harry said.
"But he will be like his mother when it comes to school work." Ron said. "He will be under a good headmistress when he comes to school. He will behave. Won't you?" Ron said picking up Eric. "You're going to be Gryffindor and Quidditch Captain aren't you?"
"I need to attend to some school business." Professor McGonagall said. "Please tell Ms. Granger I said hello."
"We will." Harry said. "I do appreciate your help in this."
"Not at all." Professor McGonagal said leaving
"Let us know when she wakes so we can look over her." Madam Shawns said. "I already have injured students this year." She said walking towards the other side of the hospital wing.
Harry and Ron decided to wait in the office. So they would be there when Hermione woke. Ginny had followed with Eric's bag in hand. She laughed at all the stuff Hermione had packed. Ginny didn't need half of it.
Sara awoke to see both Ron and Harry sitting on the bed beside hers. Ginny was there with Eric in the chair.
"How did you sleep?" Ginny asked.
"How long was I out?" Sara asked.
"About a half hour, but that was suspected." Harry said. "I trust the transfer worked. How do you feel?"
"A slight headache, but that's it. We got into a lot of trouble in school."
"Requirement when someone with the last name of Potter is involved." Ron said.
"Ha ha." Harry said. "Now your memories should start coming back now that you have mine and Ron's."
"Alright." Sara said getting up. She saw her shoes on the floor she grabbed them and put them back on.
Ginny had left to inform Madam Pomphrey that Hermione had woke up.
Madam Pomphrey came immediately and looked Sara over very carefully. "You seem to be fine. Don't push it at all. If you need to rest do so." Satisfied, she stepped out to speak with Madam Shawns
"What would you like to do for the rest of the day?" Harry asked.
"I think I just want to head back." Sara said.
"Don't you want to walk around the school? Meet with some of our former Professors."
"No thanks," Sara said. "I just want to head home."
"Well Eric is ready. According to Hagrid the train is waiting on us." Ginny said. She noticed that Hermione's wand had slipped from the pocket of her coat. She put it into Eric's diaper bag.
They left after saying good bye to Madam Pomphrey. They rode the train back to London. No one talked much on the way.
Sara held Eric close to her the entire time. Her mind stood still on all the images she had received.
When they had reached London they had passed back through the barrier of 9 ¾.
"You two go on ahead." Sara said to Ginny and Harry.
Harry and Ginny nodded in understanding and walked off to the front of the station.
Sara held Eric next to her while she faced Ron. "I am going back home." She said definitely. "Eric will not attend Hogwarts and I do not want any of you to be around him. This world is nothing but dangerous. Don't bother to come looking for me again."
"Hermione what are you saying." Ron said trying to keep his anger under control.
Eric had started crying right then. Sara made some shushing sounds with her voice.
"I never want to see you again." Sara said flatly. "I'm catching a train and heading home." Sara repositioned Eric around her shoulder. She started to walk away.
Crying Eric extended his hands towards Ron grabbing at the air.
"Wait," Ron said. "Please don't do this."
"I will not have my son in danger." Sara said.
"Let me just say goodbye to him." Ron said.
Sara considered. "Make it quick."
Eric was still crying while Ron took his hands. "You be good Eric and behave your mother. She will take care of you." He kissed the small fists and then stroked his hair. "If you change your mind." Ron pushed his anger down. She did not want the last time for Hermione and his son to see him to be when he was angry.
Sara walked to the ticket counter and bought two tickets back home. She would have to call William and Randall when she got back.
Ron walked to the front of the station where Harry and Ginny were waiting.
"Where's Hermione?" Harry asked.
"She left me." Ron said. "She decided to leave everything."
"Ron I am so sorry." Ginny said.
"I'm okay." Ron lied
"No, your not." Harry said.
"Really, I just know that she is better." Ron stated.
"This coming from the guy that set up Eloise Midgen on a date so that he could get the Ministry to open an investigation against Vicktor Krum." Harry said.
"I just want to be alone." Ron said. He then disappearted away.
"I better head back to the Burrow and let Mum know what happened." Ginny said disapperating herself. Harry followed a moment later.
Ron went back to his apartment not knowing quite what to do. He had kept his anger down until now. He could not believe Hermione would do that to him.
He called up his bottle of firewhiskey. There was still a small amount left from the other night. He finished it off in a couple of swallows and laid down on his couch.
A knock then came from the door. He opened it up and saw Juliet.
"I heard what happened." She said. "Thought I would come by and see if there was anyway that I could help."
"Come in." Ron said inviting her in.
The great doors opened to them. Sara held Ron's hand when they walked through. Harry was holding Eric who was moving around to try and see everything. They walked slowly together. Sara was fascinated by the castle. Ron and Harry lead her through the great hall and down the corridors. Classes were still in session so they did not run into any students.
Sara was taken to the library and some of the classrooms. What had made Sara jump was the paintings. The paintings were moving! She had to stare at them for a while just for the realization to settle.
Ron had asked her if she was still doing alright after they started walking. Sara said yes, even though she was nervous about what she was seeing.
Ginny had asked if she could sense any kind of memory of the school. Sara just shook her head. Nothing at all was familiar.
What Sara saw next made her gasp. She saw a ghost. A real transparent ghost.
"Hello Sir Nicholas." Harry said.
"A good day to you, Mr. Potter." The ghost said. "Can this be Miss Granger."
"Yes it is," Ron said. "I suppose everyone got the news that we would be here today."
"It was quite the stir. Madam Pomphrey and Madam Shawns are waiting for you in the hospital wing. I am sure Professor McGonagall will be there shortly. I will send word ahead that you have arrived."
"Thank you." Ron said. "We best head that way. Ginny why don't you show Eric to the Gryffindor Tower? He should be getting used to going there. Watch out for that trick step."
"Alright. Ready Eric?" Ginny said taking him from Harry.
"We better go and do this." Harry said. "Are you ready Hermione?"
"Yes," Hermione said. "Where is the hospital wing?"
They walked down to the hospital wing. Sara entered into an open bay of beds with curtains around them. They were greeted by Madam Pomphrey and Madam Shawns.
"It's so nice to be back at the school." Madam Pomphrey said taking Hermione by the shoulders. "You are very brave to try this procedure. Madam Shawns was very kind to allow us to use her office."
"Anything for one of the best witches to come out of Hogwarts. Even if half the stories are true." Madam Shawns said. "It is quite an accomplishment for a second year to turn herself into a cat."
"Only partially." Madam Pomphrey said. "After she coughed up all those hairballs I know she decided not to do it again."
Sara looked apprehensive.
"I set this up for you in the office so you would not be disturbed." Madam Shawns said opening the door to them. "We'll be out here if you need us. Come in don't be shy. Take as long as you need."
Harry thanked Madam Pomphrey and Madam Shawns for their help. He then closed the door behind him. Ron stood with Hermione ready to begin.
After the door was secure Harry pulled out his wand. He used it to move the two beds in the room side by side. He then summoned the chair in between them. "It is best if you both lay down. That way you can relax." He then took a seat on the chair. "I can't make any promises about this being comfortable."
Ron gave Hermione the bed on Harry's right while he took the one on the left. He was a bit nervous about this, but she wanted to do this.
Harry took Hermione's hand in his right hand and Ron's hand in his left. "Before we begin I want you both to know that you are my family. I care deeply for you both. Now relax. Ron, think about all of your memories of Hermione and concentrate on them. Hermione relax and open your mind, accept his memories."
They each closed their eyes and waited. Ron was thinking about the first time that he saw Hermione. Harry concentrated on that memory. He saw it not only through his eyes but Ron's. Harry then passed the memory to Hermione.
Sara laid there and waited for something to happen. After a moment images started entering her mind, like watching it being acted out.
She saw a girl about eleven enter a train car. She proceeded to talk very quickly with the two boys she knew as Ron and Harry. She saw herself talking about his scar and his fame.
The images then moved forward. Next she was learning how to ride a broomstick. She watched as Harry did it without being taught. Afterwards were classes. Then she saw what looked like a three headed dog.
Sara then saw herself plastered against a wall. A huge thing was approaching her somehow she realized that it was a Troll. Harry might have put that in her mind as well. She saw Ron and Harry save her. Then she saw herself lie to protect Ron and Harry. That had been the beginning of their friendship.
She then went on to go through a giant chess board. The memories continued in broken fragments. All were taken from Ron or Harry's point of view.
Her mind continued to allow the memories in. She watched Harry and herself save Ron from a giant dog. Then save a man named Sirius from being beheaded.
The next images that came to her mind, a ball. She saw herself in a beautiful dress robes and dancing with a boy that was older than her. Sara got the feeling that Ron did not like him too much.
More images came. She saw herself fighting people in dark cloaks. Sara watched people dieing around her. She then came to the moment that she and Ron saved Harry's life.
The images then stopped and she felt like resting. Her body agreed.
"What's going on?" Ron jumped out of his bed when he felt Harry let go of his mind. He was fine, but Hermione looked like she had passed out.
"It's okay. Her mind is just sorting through all of the memories." Harry had to hold Ron back. "Let her rest."
"Fine." Ron said. "Least we can do is she to it she's comfortable." Ron repositioned Hermione into a better position so she could sleep. He was very careful not to wake her. Ron fluffed the pillow and slipped her loafers off.
Harry held his tongue as he stood back. He had taken the bad memories as well as the good from Ron's mind. Even though he could tell Ron was fighting it the entire time. What he wouldn't tell Ron about was they way Hermione had reacted during some of the more intense memories of their lives. Her body would jerk or she seemed to be trying to move away. But Harry had held her hand and the connection. He cared for her like he would a sister and hated giving her the sadder memories, but he knew it had to done.
After Ron had finished Harry had grabbed him by the shoulders and lead him outside where Madam Pomphrey, Madam Shawns, and Professor McGonagall were waiting.
"I think it worked." Harry had said. "She is asleep right now, but hopefully her memories will surface once she wakes."
"Good," Professor McGonagall said. "It would be nice to have her back."
The doors to the wing opened. Ginny entered followed by Eric. "I think we saw everything." She said. "He didn't want to leave the Quidditch Pitch or Hagrid's Hut."
"He is your son," Harry said.
"But he will be like his mother when it comes to school work." Ron said. "He will be under a good headmistress when he comes to school. He will behave. Won't you?" Ron said picking up Eric. "You're going to be Gryffindor and Quidditch Captain aren't you?"
"I need to attend to some school business." Professor McGonagall said. "Please tell Ms. Granger I said hello."
"We will." Harry said. "I do appreciate your help in this."
"Not at all." Professor McGonagal said leaving
"Let us know when she wakes so we can look over her." Madam Shawns said. "I already have injured students this year." She said walking towards the other side of the hospital wing.
Harry and Ron decided to wait in the office. So they would be there when Hermione woke. Ginny had followed with Eric's bag in hand. She laughed at all the stuff Hermione had packed. Ginny didn't need half of it.
Sara awoke to see both Ron and Harry sitting on the bed beside hers. Ginny was there with Eric in the chair.
"How did you sleep?" Ginny asked.
"How long was I out?" Sara asked.
"About a half hour, but that was suspected." Harry said. "I trust the transfer worked. How do you feel?"
"A slight headache, but that's it. We got into a lot of trouble in school."
"Requirement when someone with the last name of Potter is involved." Ron said.
"Ha ha." Harry said. "Now your memories should start coming back now that you have mine and Ron's."
"Alright." Sara said getting up. She saw her shoes on the floor she grabbed them and put them back on.
Ginny had left to inform Madam Pomphrey that Hermione had woke up.
Madam Pomphrey came immediately and looked Sara over very carefully. "You seem to be fine. Don't push it at all. If you need to rest do so." Satisfied, she stepped out to speak with Madam Shawns
"What would you like to do for the rest of the day?" Harry asked.
"I think I just want to head back." Sara said.
"Don't you want to walk around the school? Meet with some of our former Professors."
"No thanks," Sara said. "I just want to head home."
"Well Eric is ready. According to Hagrid the train is waiting on us." Ginny said. She noticed that Hermione's wand had slipped from the pocket of her coat. She put it into Eric's diaper bag.
They left after saying good bye to Madam Pomphrey. They rode the train back to London. No one talked much on the way.
Sara held Eric close to her the entire time. Her mind stood still on all the images she had received.
When they had reached London they had passed back through the barrier of 9 ¾.
"You two go on ahead." Sara said to Ginny and Harry.
Harry and Ginny nodded in understanding and walked off to the front of the station.
Sara held Eric next to her while she faced Ron. "I am going back home." She said definitely. "Eric will not attend Hogwarts and I do not want any of you to be around him. This world is nothing but dangerous. Don't bother to come looking for me again."
"Hermione what are you saying." Ron said trying to keep his anger under control.
Eric had started crying right then. Sara made some shushing sounds with her voice.
"I never want to see you again." Sara said flatly. "I'm catching a train and heading home." Sara repositioned Eric around her shoulder. She started to walk away.
Crying Eric extended his hands towards Ron grabbing at the air.
"Wait," Ron said. "Please don't do this."
"I will not have my son in danger." Sara said.
"Let me just say goodbye to him." Ron said.
Sara considered. "Make it quick."
Eric was still crying while Ron took his hands. "You be good Eric and behave your mother. She will take care of you." He kissed the small fists and then stroked his hair. "If you change your mind." Ron pushed his anger down. She did not want the last time for Hermione and his son to see him to be when he was angry.
Sara walked to the ticket counter and bought two tickets back home. She would have to call William and Randall when she got back.
Ron walked to the front of the station where Harry and Ginny were waiting.
"Where's Hermione?" Harry asked.
"She left me." Ron said. "She decided to leave everything."
"Ron I am so sorry." Ginny said.
"I'm okay." Ron lied
"No, your not." Harry said.
"Really, I just know that she is better." Ron stated.
"This coming from the guy that set up Eloise Midgen on a date so that he could get the Ministry to open an investigation against Vicktor Krum." Harry said.
"I just want to be alone." Ron said. He then disappearted away.
"I better head back to the Burrow and let Mum know what happened." Ginny said disapperating herself. Harry followed a moment later.
Ron went back to his apartment not knowing quite what to do. He had kept his anger down until now. He could not believe Hermione would do that to him.
He called up his bottle of firewhiskey. There was still a small amount left from the other night. He finished it off in a couple of swallows and laid down on his couch.
A knock then came from the door. He opened it up and saw Juliet.
"I heard what happened." She said. "Thought I would come by and see if there was anyway that I could help."
"Come in." Ron said inviting her in.