Across the Pond

by Acanthus Suetonius

In his sixth year at Hogwarts, Harry meets an American exchange student. All chapters are up and this fic is fin. All necessary changes have been made and the story now meets the standards befitting canon. Please R&R.

10. Across the Pond: Chapter Ten

"Across the Pond"

Chapter Ten

Final Chapter

Uriel awoke some time later. He was in a bed in the hospital wing. Professor Mercury sat on the bed next to him. He had tears in his eyes.

"At last, you've awaken. The nurse says that you're pretty much intact, except for a few bruises, and I must say I'm very glad. By the way, this arrived for you in the mail." Professor Mercury handed him a letter. "I'd better leave you alone to read it." The old man stalked out of the room.

Uriel opened the heavy, yellowish envelope. He took out the letter inside and began to read.

Dear Uriel,

I sent this letter on the fastest owl available. Dumbledore was killed last night. Snape killed him. Everything is in a state of chaos right now, and we're all really shaken up. I feel like I can't say what's in my heart to Harry or Ron…oh, Uriel, how I wish you were here! I don't know what I'm going to do…oh, please write back soon!

Yours Sincerely,

Hermione

And Uriel, too, was devastated to hear of the professor's death, and especially so since Snape's treachery had partially caused it. Uriel took some parchment, ink, and a quill from the drawer of the bedside table, and began to write back.

Most Beloved Hermione,

I cannot express my sorrow. I wish I could be there, as well. Send everyone at Hogwarts my deepest sympathies, especially Harry and Ron. Remember, I am always with you, and I am just a short letter away.

Yours Mournfully,

Uriel

And indeed, he was sad that Dumbledore was dead. But he also knew that the living had too keep on living. After all, he might be dead in a month. The oceans may boil; the mountains may crack; the moon may crash into the earth. But right now, he was happy.

Carpe Dium.

For, like a January snowflake, through all our driftings and wanderings, we will win and lose; we will gain and molt. And this is as it should be. This thought gave Uriel comfort.

In the end, life is an objective, neutral experience. It becomes either good or bad by our own decisions, and the decisions of others. Life is arbitrary; life is purposeful. Life is miserable; life is joyous. And in the end, the shadow—whether wrought by ourselves or others—is a passing thing.

The End.