Our World Winter
By Hermione Starise
AN- Now this will come as a surprise! What's going on me updating already? Lol thank the weather for this speedy update I've been making excuses to get home quickly with not wanting to stand at the bus stop with lower school pupils who insist of throwing snow at you!
Anyway that and the fact that I haven't had much homework this week has meant I've had more time to write this
Special Thanks for my reviewers
Raiining- Thanks for your lovely comments and she's a girl I kind of thought half way through why not have a female villain? I thought I'd changed them all I've changed them now! I'll remember not to let school get me too down lol it's not that bad really! Thanks again for being so patient!
Buck NC- Shiver Professor Snape! Lol, can I have some of the points back for updating so quickly? I'm glad you liked the manhunt yay was what I was aiming for! I've never seen Just Shoot Me but intrigued I looked it up it's Nina Van Horn apparently lol Niamh is an Irish name I picked up from some book or another and Horn has something to do with what she does but I won't say anymore as that would give it away! Thanks for bearing with me!
Right, anyway here it is
Chapter 3: Visions of the Southern Hemisphere
Hermione had been late in that morning, the crumpled up letter in her cloak pocket distracting again. Its contents were tantalising and thinking about it sent a shiver down her spine. Some of the old adventurous spirit seemed to be returning.
Now, sitting at her desk with a pile of paperwork she shook her head. She couldn't desert Remus now, not even to put her skills to such a good cause.
Then again it wasn't as if he didn't have anyone, there was Kathythe chance to travel a bit, and she'd do anything for the chance to travel
A knock on her door woke her up from her day dreams and Remus came in, she smiled a little guiltily at him as he took a seat. She knew he'd be hurt if she asked to go away for even a little while. The merging of leagues meant so much to him.
In means so much to me too. She thought.
So how do you think it went yesterday? He asked her, looking tired.
Hermione said with a nod, Percy was certainly very inspiring.
Remus nodded solemnly, Yes that will help.Oh I don't know Hermione, He said apologetically, I know you were hoping for an early end to all of this.I know it's going to take a long time. She said quietly.
It must be hard on you He said softly.
It is, She admitted, But at least now we're going somewhere Remus said thoughtfully, Harry deserves a family for a change; he went straight in to his Field Auror job because he knows no other life than fighting evil.And Ron followed because he thought he had something to prove. Hermione added, feeling an old bitterness swell up.
He smiled sympathetically.
She blinked, Anyway, what's made you so philosophical this morning?
He chuckled, Nothing really, just that well I just realised we were in for the long slog.
She smiled, studying her boss in the bright sunlight that flooded her office. He looked more tired than he had in a long time and Hermione felt another stab of guilt at what she had been contemplating. Remus needed her.
he said, Something Kathy said has been bothering me. She asked, What's that?Kathy said you looked bored yesterday and I have to say I agree, He said softly, You know when we get a bit more settled, after the ball, maybe you could take on a bigger case, give you something to think about. This stalemate situation is going to go on for a while so you may as well Hermione said trying to smile, Yeah maybe.
She hardly thought that Remus would want her to take on the case that she had in mind.
Well anyway, he said standing up and smoothing out his robes, Think about it.Wait I'll come with you, she said as he went to leave, I've got to go and see Annie in Dreams and Visions. He asked, Not Hermione The-None-Believer troubling over psychic visions?
She laughed, No, no, I'm just doing a favour for Neville, Luna's having some nasty spells.Oh, oh dear! He said frowning, Well get her in as soon as possible, if it'll help.Yeah I will thanks.
Hermione was practising a speech with Remus for the Ministry Ball when Neville and Luna arrived. When the secretary arrived with them to Remus' office, she brought with them Kathy Marsden who, though looked quite shaken by the pale silent and somewhat bedraggled Luna that Neville led by her arm grinned and said, I just needed to see you about the Ministry Ball, I've had an idea!
Hermione smiled at her standing to leave, See you later then, come on, we'll go to my office.
Luna and Neville followed her, the pair unusually silent, Hermione, accustomed to their often teasing and always cheerful conversation, was deeply troubled by it.
Settling them in her office Hermione glanced sideways at Luna as she conjured up three mugs of coffee.
She was startled by the bedraggled appearance of the younger woman; Luna seemed to be moving backwards rather than forwards. Her long blonde hair was knotted and matted, left hanging around her pale face which looked a lot younger and lot more frightened than Hermione had seen it since their war days.
Annie Park, in Dreams and Visions said she'd see you, she's busy at the moment- there's a lot of weird stuff going on with seers seeing crimes in Belfast five hours before they happen. She said, trying to sound light.
Neville nodded, but he wasn't looking at her, she followed his gaze back across to Luna who was sitting and shaking so much that she slopped tea over her untidy robes.
Hermione felt a chill run through her.
Feeling very uncomfortable she, checked her watch Annie would be able to see them soon.
Neville said uneasily, What will happen will there be tests or something?
Hermione shrugged apologetically, I don't really know to be honest. The department is a more obscure one... I just deal with the information they give me.
This raised a weak smiled out of Neville, Yeah, that's one of my favourite Hogwarts memories, you stomping out of Trewlawny's class.
Hermione smiled wistfully out of the window, Ah those were the days, She said.
I was so impressed of you then, Neville continued, I'd never have dared walk out of a classroom.And now look at you, Hermione said, You've got classes of your own.Yes, yes, He said, his gaze distracted back to Luna who had stood up and staggered towards the window.
Neville asked in a tight kind of voice.
She didn't respond, merely stood and stared out of it though her large round blue eyes were unfocussed as if she wasn't really seeing the sunny grounds.
Suddenly Hermione's unlit fireplace glowed red and the head of Annie Park glowed there.
I'm ready for your friends now Hermione, She said quickly before disappearing again. Hermione smiled wryly, Annie tended to speak as little as possible to those without the right for her kind of work.
Come on, Hermione said to Neville who had drawn Luna away from the window and was standing holding her and patting her back to calm her.
For a brief, biting moment Hermione felt a surge of jealousy- they didn't know how lucky they were
She bit this feeling down quickly as she led them out of the office but nevertheless the image of them standing together was in her mind for the rest of the day making her feel very, very lonely.
Hermione found herself pacing Annie Park's room nervously. It was a very different sort of department room to the ones she was used to, being more accustomed to working within the scientific atmosphere of the forensic labs.
The room was an attic one, quite cramped and out of the way. It reminded her of the way Trelawny arranged the Divination tower before Luna took over.
It consisted of a low chaise-long covered with a purple coloured fabric, a small oak coffee table, a leather arm chair and settee to match.
Behind this rather crisp business like sitting area however, there was a table full of strange objects including a collection of crystal orbs, a strange wide shallow bowl full of gold liquid and various complicated looking silver instruments presumably for measuring star movements. From every part of the ceiling hung strange multicoloured glass spirals which blew in the slight breeze coming from an open window and catching the sun sent strange dots of coloured light dancing round the room.
In one corner, Hermione started, was a muggle computer, looking very out of place in its setting.
Noticing Hermione's confused look Annie had snapped, It's all cleared- don't you be worrying about improper use of muggle objects, it's just makes sifting through information so much easier.
Now, as they sat in darkness and listened to Annie chanting strange mantras whilst Luna called out from time to time, Hermione found her attention wavering. Really divination was such an inexact art
She would really like to go down and get on with some more work, find out what Kathy's new idea had been!
However Neville's tense form beside her was enough to make her stay put. She could feel him growing more and more agitated as the afternoon wore on. Frowning, she laid a calming hand on his shoulder.
In the darkness which now surrounded them, for Annie had told them matter-of-factly that her instruments would never be able to detract data from Luna's vision unless they were in darkness, she could see vaguely his desperate eyes as he turned to face her.
Sympathetically, she patted his shoulder.
They were in for a long afternoon.
Annie said at long length, clicking her fingers so that the thick blinds that had been blocking the sunshine out magically disappeared making them all blink against the bright light that suddenly flooded in.
Neville prompted in a nervous sort of squeak.
The woman sighed; she was a small, petite woman who nevertheless commanded an air of authority, despite a dimpled face and dreamy hazel eyes.
Well, she's certainly seeing a crime, She said at length, But my details are very, very sketchy because my instruments are picking up on an event that happened not only a very long time ago, but also a very far away.How far? Hermione asked.
Annie hesitated, pushing a black strand of hair back from her face.
Neville asked, from where he had rushed as soon as the lights went on, next to the couch where Luna was sitting looking shell-shocked.
Somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere, the other side of the world, probably not as far as the South Pole This time Luna spoke up, her voice husky from lack of use.
I'd say New Zealand, or maybe Australia. Annie said.
The moment she said it, Hermione felt something shift inside her, it had to be a coincidence, she didn't believe in premonitions!
That far? Neville's face was astonished.
Annie looked vaguely impressed, It's very unusual for a seer, even one as gifted as Miss Lovegood here to be called to from so far away. Tell me have you any roots in the Southern Hemisphere?My mother was from New Zealand. Luna said dreamily, It's strange I hadn't thought of it, but now it fits. I've seen pictures of the mountains they've got there I wonder why I didn't connect it before. You think its New Zealand then? Hermione asked. If anyone noticed the odd tone of her voice they didn't say anything.
What is more, Annie said, not allowing Luna to answer, This crime is a very old one, I'd say from maybe the late eighteen hundreds, probably the early nineteen hundreds.
Hermione felt as if someone was trying to tell her something. She had felt compelled by that letter ever since reading it after coming home exhausted from the Garden Party, then Neville had turned up asking for her help the chain of events was eerie...
Then and there she made up her mind to ask Remus to let her go.
She might not believe in premonitions but the desire to go had suddenly welled up so strongly, and this mingled with the recent feelings of frustration and claustrophobia she'd had made her determined to go.
Hermione said goodbye to Neville and Luna hugging them at the top of the Gran stairs that led down to the sweeping lawns. Even in the late afternoon they were still bathed in sunshine and the air had an, stuffy quality to it.
The day had been so hot.
She watched Neville and Luna go: they'd look slightly reassured now that they had a direction to look in. Hermione felt they'd left with a lot to discuss.
The only way after all, for Luna to be free of the visions was to journey there and solve the mystery.
Hermione stood there feeling strange- Annie had brought up images of New Zealand on the muggle computer- with use of the internet- something which Hermione had been very impressed by. She had the internet in her flat- it was a good way to keep in touch with her parents, especially as they had just departed on a world round trip.
It looked like such a beautiful place.
Feeling confused she sighed and sat down on the steps ignoring her colleagues who were leaving the building in twos and threes the working day being, for most of them, over.
The afternoon heat was hazy and she felt drowsy sitting there, with the perfume of the rose garden drifting across and the lazy buzz of insects lulling her into a calmer mood.
Difficult afternoon? Remus came to sit beside her, Kathy following him.
She smiled at him, Yeah you could say that. I didn't really have to do anything. Just sit there.Ahh yes, but your friends will have appreciated your support. Kathy said, pushing a lock of chestnut hair from her eyes. The older woman had an air of mischievous excitement about her- her eyes were positively shining with animation- Hermione wondered if politics were all she had her boss had been discussing.
They did I think, She replied, her eyes brows furrowing.
What's the problem then? Remus asked.
I'm not sure, Hermione said, I hate to admit it, but I find this vision stuff all very confusing.
Remus and Kathy chuckled at that. She hesitated to tell them anymore, she needed to think it out first.
So what was your new idea? She asked changing the subject.
Kathy giggled.
Hermione stared at her in disbelief, politics defiantly wasn't all that the two division heads had been discussing.
If indeed they had been discussing anything.
It's a surprise, Remus said hurriedly, noticing Hermione's eyes that had narrowed in suspicion.
Now she frowned, What sort of surprise? She asked.
One that'll make an impact, Kathy said, Just you wait.
Her mind otherwise occupied, Hermione didn't ask any more questions.
Is Miss Weasley, the reporter going to be there? Kathy asked.
Hermione said, feeling odd at hearing her friend's name spoken so formally. Then again, Kathy though she felt to he like part of the group that had formulated around the Weasley family, the only one who she really knew was Ron.
It was odd to think of her that way. People didn't tend to get close to one of the Weasley's without the entire family's approval first.
Oh, of course she is, why do you ask?Oh nothing, Kathy replied nonchalantly, It's just that her article on the Garden Party was so good, the ball will need similar coverage.Oh for your big surprise you mean? Hermione asked.
Yes, exactly. Remus replied smiling.
Well I'm going to the Burrow tonight; I'll make sure she'll come. Though a bit more information might help as to what exactly she's going to be reporting on, Hermione said hoping to wheedle their secret out.
Maybe they're getting married. An idle ironic voice said at the back of her head. Hardly news worthy.
Nice try, but its top secret. Remus said.
What, even from me? She asked, feeling vaguely hurt.
He just grinned wider. Maybe
She put that thought down instantly. Besides it was obviously a political move they were talking about.
She sighed, Oh well, I'll leave you two... Hermione said grinning mischievously, To whatever you have planned.
To her satisfaction they both went deep red and looked very ashamed. Her lucky guess hit home.
Revenge was sweet!
Later she and Ginny sat giggling on the front step of the Burrow in much a similar fashion as she had sat with Remus and Cathy in front of the Investigative Auror's Headquarters.
And then he just turned and ran! Ginny exclaimed; her face animated.
Hermione laughed, You do it every time!
They were talking about a wizarding pop star who Ginny, along with the unfortunate wizard's model girlfriend had uncovered as a fraud who used magic to improve his voice.
It's my duty, Ginny grinned, I had to save the world from the sickly sentimentality of Raven Trooper's crooning!Ah yes, Hermione giggled, But you've also broken the heart of countless teenage witches!Don't exaggerate, I'm sure my curse won't scar his perfect skin, and I only scotched a few of his luscious blonde locks! She replied feigning innocence.
This sent them into fits of giggles again.
They were interrupted by Mrs Weasley who came out to join them.
Oh it is nice to hear laughter in the house again, She said beaming at them.
Come on Mum- the Burrow could never be described as a quiet place! Ginny said rolling her eyes.
No, maybe not, but hearing you two out hear sends me back something, The woman who's bright red hair had been long dimmed by streaks of grey said, It's like you were schoolgirls again giggling over Gilderoy Lockhart!I never Ginny began indignantly.
But of course, Molly ploughed on ignoring her daughter, There are no boys here at the minute to roll their eyes at you and mutter under their breath!
The smile evaporated from Ginny's face and Hermione felt sudden and unexpected tears sting her eyes.
Noticing Molly smiled sadly, I'm sorry you two, I'm just feeling down it's not long tillI know Ginny replied hugging her mother.
Hermione looked away not wanting to intrude on the moment between mother and daughter. She had been expecting Mrs Weasley's moroseness- it was only a few days away from the anniversary of Bill's death and had been Sirius' the week before.
It was a calm evening, cool but pleasantly so. Hermione liked the blue darkness and the shapes of trees and plants in the Weasley's overrun garden in front of them. Above them stars glittered.
Her thoughts turned to her own mother, and she wondered what stars Helen Granger was seeing- her parents were in Mexico - she suddenly missed them both.
Of course if she were to accept the wonderful offer that the extremely crumpled letter that now sat in her jeans' pocket contained she might be able to see them at some point she was sure that New Zealand was part of their itinerary and otherwise she wouldn't see them for another nine months.
Everything seemed to be pointing her in that direction.
Thinking of Luna again, sent the image of her clinging to Neville for comfort back into her head and she felt another anguishing pang on loneliness.
Molly said, drawing her back to Earth.
I just said are you all ready for the ministry ball? She asked.
Oh, no! Hermione said, startled she realised she hadn't even thought about getting a dress for it.
Molly chuckled, You two are hopeless, Ginny's just realised she's forgotten about getting a dress too!That reminds me actually, Hermione said, remembering the strange conversation she'd had with Remus and Kathy, Remus and you know Kathy Marsden?Head of the FA's, yes? Ginny prompted.
They said to make sure you came, Kathy liked your article on the garden party and they've both go some big to reveal so I think they want good coverage. Hermione said.
Oh dear, there goes my plans to drink too much champagne and then slag off everyone's dress robes and gowns in the Saturday paper! Ginny said, and then noting her mother's horrified expression, No, I was only jokingI haven't even got a dress yet, Hermione admitted.
Me neither!
Molly tutted loudly and standing up she said, Well then, I suggest you both meet me in Diagon Alley, I fancy treating myself to new dress robes and there's that new shop opened that sells muggle style ball gowns, I was in there the other day they do some lovely things!Sounds, good, I'm off tomorrow anyway. Ginny said, Err, yeah I have to be in work in the morning but I'm sure Remus will let me have the afternoon off if I tell him what it's for! Hermione replied smiling.
Molly said, One o'clock at Fortescue's then? They agreed.
When she was gone Hermione turned to Ginny.
I need your advice, She said, taking the letter from her pocket.
She watched Ginny's face as she read it; her friend frowned but looked impressed at the same time.
Wow, Hermione, what an opportunity!Yeah but should I take it? She asked.
Why not?
Hermione sighed, Well there's Remus, I'm a big part of his campaign, I don't know if he'd let me go! And I really should be working to get the divisions merged I don't know I'll just feel guilty if I'm not!
Ginny nodded understanding.
I really, really want to, Hermione whispered.
Then go for it, Ginny said, There's nothing more you can do here, it's in the politician's hands now.
Hermione had never felt more grateful to her friend before. Things were clearing up and her decision was made, her mind set, determined.
Yet she was hesitant again.
What about Remus though? She asked.
You'll never know till you ask him.
AN- Quite a long chapter for me, do I get points added back on for that too? Lol, no only joking lots of talking in this chapter I really wanted the mood set before the ministry ball, which will be next chapter
I know I'm not being very explicit about what the letter contains but that's for the ball as well- it's going to be quite important the way she explains it lol but you'll just have to wait for that!
Which shouldn't be too long I hope!
Anyway what do you think please review and tell me!
Hermione Starise
xxx
PS- Nicole I promise the mud streak mill make a return appearance!