DISCLAIMER: The following work of Fan Fiction is based upon the Harry Potter Universe which is the work of J.K. Rowling. No infringement of copyright nor financial gain is intended by this work.
The Author owns nothing of the Known or Cannon Characters in this work. Except, perhaps, the idea for this story.
Summary : Who do you turn to when all seems lost? When chaos rise, with Lily's help, Hermione realizes that prayer is more powerful than any spell.
Chapter 6 – Prayer
The young woman shifted to a more comfortable position as she nursed her month old son. She looked at him with loving eyes as he suckled peacefully, unaware of what fate had in store for him. She lifted her free hand and gently strokes back the fine tufts of dark brown hair, which she knew in time, would change to the same raven black as was his father. If anything, it would just as messy as well. She smiled a bit as she thought of this. Would he be a great chaser like his father? Would he be brash and arrogant in his teens? Would girls be falling at his feet? Would he… would he…?
But at these thoughts her tears began to fall as she realized that she and her beloved little boy might not even survive to see him to school. There was another, she knew, her friend Alice had also given birth to a son at almost the same time as she. But, a feeling she couldn't shake told her otherwise. It was her baby… her little Harry that the Dark Lord would come for.
She thought back to a few nights ago, when her husband came back from an Order meeting which she had not attended and the news that he brought. A prophesy that would essentially pit innocence against vile… The baby she held in her arms against the darkest Dark Lord since Slytherin himself… This led her to another question… what power was her son supposed to have and use against Him?
She looked down again at the little bundle who was though now asleep have his mouth still fastened against her breast. She tried to pry him away but the little boy began sucking again... still asleep. She burst in a gentle laugh as little Harry slowly stopped sucking, only to furiously begin sucking again when she attempted to pry him off again. Tears began to flow once more as she both sobbed and laughed at the sight. Oh how she loved him… her life… her light.
She gave up trying to pull him away from her now sore nipple. Instead she reached and brushed back a few strands from her auburn mane that have found their way to her face. She then turned her gaze to the ceiling and sighed, blinking rapidly to quell her tears as she held her baby closer... and prayed.
'Oh God…' she called silently into the quiet room. 'if nothing else, please watch over my little one…'
I pray you'll be my eyes
And watch him where he goes
'…give me strength in the trials to come… send your angels to guide and watch over him…'
And help him to be wise
Help me to let go.
'you said, Oh Lord, that however hurts the little ones… the children… they also do unto you. But, what if he that hurts them doesn't know You? It is not my place to question you, my God… but for me to believe. But…'
Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Lead him to a place
Guide him with your grace
To a place where he'll be safe
'I remember your promise, that you will send down your angels to protect these innocents. I don't need legions my Lord… just your promise of deliverance is enough…'
I pray he finds your light
And holds it in his heart
As darkness falls each night
Remind him where you are
'In these times of darkness, he has been my light, a gift from you my Lord. I pray to you, that if… if I don't survive the next encounter with the dark one… that, you'll show him… to find the same faith I've found in you…'
Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Need to find a place
Guide him to a place
Give him faith so he'll be safe
Lily looked back down at the warm bundle that she cradled in her arms. She smiled when she saw that he finally let go of her breast and was just nuzzling in her warmth as he slept, gently grasping at what he could of her flesh with his tiny hands for comfort. She smiled lovingly at him, her face streaked with tears, yet somehow she knew in her heart that she is being heard. Reaching out again to stroke the downy hair on her baby's head, she ended her prayer with a final, whispered, plea.
'Lead him to a place; guide him with your grace… to a place where he'll be safe.'
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Hermione woke up gasping as pain shot through her body. Slowly she came to her senses and realized where she was… where she has been for, in her reckoning, atleast a month. She was visiting her parents for Christmas in one of the safe houses provided for the parents of muggleborns. The attack came swiftly and mercilessly.
Among those slain where the Creevey's and Thomases, not even the parents of the halfblooded Slytherin Zabini was spared.
And she, she was taken, alive…
In the weeks that passed she found out why. She was to be the bait. As crazy at it sounds, she would be the bait for some guy with the same surname as Harry. 'Could it be?' at first she thought. But, she realized the he was dead… she was there when they laid him down… she could still feel the damp grass underfoot and smell the freshly dug earth.
No, Harry's dead…
Through the pain she thought back to one of the few things that could give her comfort. It was a dream, though it felt so real… He said he loved her and carried her to bed…
And, there were these other dreams, dream of Lily Potter praying for her son. She didn't know that Lily Potter was religious. No one did, for it was commonly frowned upon in the wizarding world where things such as miracles can be done with a swish of a wand.
Hermione knew better though. It was not the miracles; it was the message of hope… of redemption.
Wherever her parents are now, she was thankful to them… because they've given her one gift no Dark Lord can ever take, her faith…
She grunted as she tried to get up. The gashes and pain from the recent torture still fresh in her mind. She winced as she dropped down on her knees in the narrow confines of her cell and thought back to her parents and Harry.
She prayed… not only for her but also for those still alive and fighting, especially this mysterious man that the Dark Lord was after, the same one she knew that was saving people in the muggle world that they've started to call an avenging angel.
"I pray you'll be my eyes, and watch us where we go
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe"
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A tortured howl echoed through the forest of trees surrounding what once was known as the Burrow. The moon was beginning to set as hints of purple and red began to peek over the eastern hills.
The crunching sound of something breaking as the howls continued. A crash and rip… a howl… an agonized scream of despair… and all was silent once more.
It was brighter now that the sun's corona showed itself over the hills. Color was now appearing over the land. Light was slowly pouring and darkness slowly being chased back to the shadows.
A man dressed in tattered robes appeared from the thicket (or is it a tattered man in rags?). His graying hair and haggard appearance belied his age. Once before he could atleast claim humanity, but now… 'isn't one defined by his friends?' and that was what he once had. He had nothing now… and he was tired, tired of fighting when there's nothing left to fight for… not even his principles. All he could do now was be the servant of the wolf in him…
But like a ray of light, hope shone. It came like a trick worthy of the Marauders.
He tripped on a stone he was sure wasn't there before.
And, landed in a field of lilies…
He lay in his prone position stunned for what seems hours, in truth only minute went by.
He slowly raised his head further and the sweet sent mixed with dew assaulted his sensitive sense of smell. The suns rays had reached the path and momentarily blinded him as a cool breeze blew. He then pushed himself up and to his haunches…
A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips and his shoulder began to shake and quite suddenly, a sound he has not heard in a very long time echoed through the woods…
He laughed.
He laughed so hard that tears came to his eyes; he laughed and cried… grieved and rejoiced…
James,
Sirius,
Harry,
Lily…
And he remembered…
'you are not a monster, Remus. I don't fear you. I want the man in you to watch over Harry… remember that Remus. The man in you. We all have our demons… don't lose your faith…'
…and the prayer of one so kind…
Remus lips, mouthed the words that Lily first intoned. He had learned to know it by heart. For some strange reason it always gave him hope.
"I pray we'll find your light, and hold it in our hearts.
When stars go out each night, remind us where you are
Let this be our prayer, when shadows fill our day…"
'is a creature of darkness truly dark when it prays and acknowledges a God of salvation? It is not what you are that condemns you.' Lily's voice echoed again in his ear.
"Help us find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe"
The sun has fully risen now and bathes him in its rays. Once again he felt forgiven… cleansed, for things he did not do… things he believes he's done.
A new hope blossomed. He knew then what he had to do.
'Thank you, Lily' He whispered to the flowers surrounding him as he picked himself up and set forth to find the avenger.
In an alcove of trees not far from where Remus was, four people who loves him, smiled.
'Simple but effective.' One of the men said as he brushed his unruly hair with his hand.
'told you it would work.' The other man said, giving a short bark like laugh as he remembered the events earlier.
'Thank you. I didn't know what else to do… I could only do so much and the rest is his fight... his choices.' The little girl said.
'Shouldn't you follow him?' The woman then asked the little girl.
'He'll be alright for a while Lils, and Abbey will know if she's really needed. Besides, Azarel gave that plague of a demon wolf a good whooping.' Sirius intoned brightly.
The Archangel laughed and said. 'Oh! Whooping is a right word. Remus would be pleasantly surprised at the next full moon.'
He suddenly stopped laughing, however, and said just one before he spread out his wings and disappeared in a swirl of gold dust. "…Harry…"
------------------------
Harry sighed as he witnessed the scene before him. For what seems to be the millionth time… he couldn't understand how people could willingly hurt other people.
He looked at them in sadness, he longed to be released from the work he had to do and be in the arms of the one he loves, if she'll have him. But, even that is another struggle. He knew he was known as dead now to this world. He was grateful for the second, or was it the third, chance at life. And if it means to be the physical representative of the angels, then so be it.
Besides, having an archangel for a guardian, not to mention said guardian as being a part of you once, definitely has its perks.
But enough introspection… he shook his head slightly and focused on the task at hand.
His work had been effective these past few months, as crime rates have fallen a great degree. But, there are some with what seem to be no conscience at all. He knew these people's angels have been silenced and overpowered by their demon counterparts… but the fact is, they wouldn't be overpowered if it weren't for the choice of their charge.
And it seems to be that these people made their pact with their demons long ago...
"Dmitri, nice group we have here" Harry heard the heavy set man say. Dmitri pulled a long drag of the cigarette he was slowly twirling between his fingers before answering in a cloud of smoke.
"nothing but virginal, Alex. Ofcourse, we… 'tried'… a few of them before we got here, but they're young…" Dmitri said and drew in another puff.
"I see" Alex replied, not pleased that the 'goods' were tried out. Dmitri sensed this and quickly amended.
"Ofcourse, as always, the special, ah… gift, is in this shipment for his Lordship's amusement." With a nod to the shadows, one of Dmitri's men brought out a young girl of about eleven. Her long silver-blond hair fell raggedly, but one could tell even in the full moons light that she had near perfect skin and with a bit of make-up would pass for an older girl. But, what Harry noticed was an aura about her that made her even more attractive.
'Veela?' he thought furiously. Then it dawned on him… It wasn't just a Veela, it was a Veela he knows. It was Gabrielle!
It was a surprise, yes. But the next one who came out escorted stumped him again. That crown of red could only be a Weasley. Ginny…
How did she turn up here after being missing for months? How can she still be alive? And where was her guardian anyway?
These questions filled his mind. He knew she might be alive, since he didn't see her on the 'other side', but how could she have just … vanished?
He decided that he'll ask the questions later. It was now time for action.
Harry tensed up and sprang to attack.
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The old man sat peacefully infront of the fire. His gaze never wavered from the dancing flames as he sifted through his mind. He remembered the advice he gave a young child not to long ago as he lay there in the hospital wing.
'To the well organized mind, death is but the next adventure…'
He had lived a long and very eventful life. He had survived wars and battles he would rather forget. But, as his luck was with Bertie-Bots… life seem to keep giving him earwax.
Deep in his heart though he knew why. It has been said that it is often the good people that are tested… to make them better.
He fancied himself a philosopher and rather always questioned the existence of an all powerful and loving being. But, as he often stared at the abyss that some men's heart contains, he couldn't just wait and pray that something good would happen. That somehow all these evils will be vanquished.
He asked Lily once if she was afraid before they went to hiding and she said that if one has faith as small as a mustard seed, one could move mountains. Her answer confused him… Until he heard the prayer, James told him she often offered at night. And one part of it has always stayed with him…
Because this is what he was fighting for and reminded him why he still fought…
Because even to be powerful, with their kind's gift of magic, it is easy to forget the more important things in life…
Could it really be that simple? Can he at his age, still gain the faith… not in himself, not in his powers… but to an entity he has yet to see proof of?
But what has he to lose?
He too offered his prayer to the Great Beyond, for he knew there is life after death and he hoped that if there are adventures, there would be no more deaths.
"…A world where pain and sorrow will be ended
And every heart that's broken will be mended
And we'll remember we are all God's children
Reaching out to touch you. Reaching to the sky"
He stood and looked out the window. Another morning, another day to fill minds and search for his lost and taken children.
Children. Maybe that was what he needs to be. He tried to keep the child in him alive. Then he realized, it wasn't the child itself in him that he needs to cherish. It's the trusting innocence that should not be corrupted… his own capacity to love and forgive. He turned his gaze unto the lake, at the early risers playing by the water, some even rolling on the grassy lawn. He smiled.
Even in these times of growing darkness and strife, the children still play.
"We ask that life be kind, and watch us from above
We hope each soul will find another soul to love
Let this be our prayer, just like every child…"
He said the last in the same whispering voice for the children whose innocence he vowed to protect and to his lost children he prayed would be kept safe and be able to find their way home.
"Who needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe"
AN
Am I being blasphemous? Tell me so that I'll try to revise so that the fic might still work.
This chapter revolves around the song 'The Prayer' and 'A Mother's Prayer', which is an OST of The Magic Sword: In Search of Camelot. If I'm not mistaken, there are three versions. One of my daughter's favorite songs (her lullaby at times).
Celine Dion - The Prayer (duet With Andrea Bocelli)
(Carol Bayer Sager/David Foster)
I pray you'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe
La luce che tu hai
[I pray we'll find your light]
Nel cuore rester
[And hold it in our hearts.]
A ricordarci che
[When stars go out each night,]
Eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera
[Let this be our prayer]
Quanta fede c'
[When shadows fill our day]
Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Sogniamo un mondo senza più violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno lo dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace, di fraternit
La forza che ci d
[We ask that life be kind]
È il desiderio che
[And watch us from above]
Ognuno trovi amor
[We hope each soul will find]
Intorno e dentro s
[Another soul to love]
Let this be our prayer [Let this be our prayer],
Just like every child
Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
È la fede che
Hai acceso in noi,
Sento che ci salver