Aftershock
Summary: The trio has decided to go back to school after 6th year. Things are awkward between Harry and Ginny and something is happening between Ron and Hermione. The trio continues to search for the mysterious meaning of R.A.B. and who is the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher? Also a new potions master comes, but who will it be? Questions ensue as the year continues! Warning: HBP spoilers.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. I just write about it. The characters belong to the amazing J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 1:
Harry Potter lay on his bed at Number Four Privet Drive with tears streaming down his face. It seemed that everyone he loved had either died or he had pushed them away. His parents were dead, Sirius was dead, and now even Dumbledore was dead. He had pushed away the woman that he loved and had not spoken to his friends since the train ride home. They had told him to stay in touch during the summer, but he had locked himself in his room and only came out to eat and go to the bathroom. Hermione had sent him long and ranting letters about how he should waste himself away in tears and to forget it about it all. It wasn't his fault, she told him. He knew that Dumbledore's death wasn't his fault, but he still felt bad. There hadn't been a day all summer that he hadn't cried. Ron had sent him many short letters asking him why he never wrote back, but he never took notice of them. He dearly wanted a letter from Ginny, but knew he shouldn't wish for it because it might put her in danger. He missed her so much and wanted to hold her in his arms. He tried to clear his mind of her, but his heart still ached.
He heard a beating of wings and looked up just in time to see Ron's owl, Pig, fly into his room. Pig flew around and around wildly until he finally settled down on Hedwig's perch. She hooted indignantly but scooted over for him. Harry got up and untied the letter from his leg and read in Ron's untidy scrawl:
Dear Harry,
How have you been? Well I wouldn't know since you don't write back! But we were wondering if you wanted to come for the rest of the summer and stay at headquarters. Good news to tell you when you get here. Lupin plans to pick you up at 8:00 tonight so if you're coming, pack up your stuff and be ready. Don't worry if he's late. Take care! Hermione wants to say something to you so I'm turning the paper over to her. – Ron -
Harry,
How have you been? I hope that you have not been thinking on Dumbledore's death too much. It wasn't your fault so don't blame yourself. Please come and talk with us. We've been worried about you! Much love Hermione
P.S. – Ginny would like to say something.
Harry,
Hope you're having a good summer so far. I've been doing all right. Bill and Fleur's wedding was nice. Sorry you had to miss it. Please come Harry, I miss you! I want to talk to you about last year, but don't refuse to come on my part. Hope to see you soon! Ginny
Harry re-read Ginny's notes over and over again, searching for some kind of clue. Why did girls have to be so confusing? He finally put the letter down and started packing. He finished this in a matter of minutes because he hadn't taken much out of his suitcase when he got home from school last term. The clock read 7:55 and he waited patiently. 8:00 rolled around and the bell rang on the dot. Harry bounded down the stairs banging his trunk behind him. Harry's uncle Vernon looked towards the door and asked, "What the devil? What idiot would come at this hour?"
Harry had just opened the door when Vernon had said that and there stood Lupin. "That idiot would be me." Lupin tried to look menacing, but ended up looking ridiculous in the end. Uncle Vernon obviously didn't see the ridiculous part because he immediately ran out of the room. "Ready Harry?" Lupin asked.
"Yeah, get me out of here!" Harry replied. Lupin chuckled and ushered Harry, Hedwig, and his trunk outside. Harry looked around for brooms but only saw a Ford Anglia. "What happened to the brooms?"
"Ah! Well, certain parties can't ride on brooms and must ride in cars." As if on cue, out stepped a very pregnant Tonks with short, curly blond hair and piercing blue eyes. "Harry m'boy! Let me introduce you to my wife."
"Oh well, then," he said stuttering. "Tonks, um, err, congratulations!"
"Thanks Harry! C'mon, let's get on the road," Tonks replied to him.
They rode to Grimmauld Place making small talk and having some laughs here and there while Harry stole glances at Tonks's very large stomach. It was so strange to see Lupin with his arm over her and them looking so… so… well, married. When they finally did reach the house, Harry got out quickly, not wanting to have to come up with more awkward small talk. He said his thanks and went to the house towing his things. As he opened the door, he was met by Mrs. Weasley's big hug, "Oh Harry! It's so good to see you again dear. Well, you must want to see Hermione and Ron. They're upstairs in your usual room."
Harry made his way upstairs and noticed the picture of Mrs. Black had been removed from the hallway. He turned all the familiar turns and saw all the familiar sights until he reached his room. He could hear voices inside and opened the door to reveal Ron, Hermione, and Ginny talking. Hermione caught sight of Harry and squealed as she ran to him to give him a hug. He was immediately lost in a bush of brown hair. He shook hands with Ron and he gave Ginny an awkward wave.
Things certainly would be interesting this visit.
Author's Note: Well, I hope you liked my first chappy! I know it's kinda slow right now but it's gonna be way better in the next chapter. Thanks to my beta JaFaRCrAzY (go read her stories! They're great!) and please make me happy and review! But please no flames because I'm a first time writer and just testing the waters so be nice.