Chapter 3: The Start of Something New

"Ooof!" Harry exclaimed as he knocked Ginny over, sending her piles of books flying into the air and landing onto the street.

"Oi,Ginny, are you alright?" Harry asked as he caught her from falling onto the ground.

"Erm….yes. I believe so," she replied slowly, realizing that she had bumped into Harry. She quickly let go of Harry's hold and bent down to gather all her books. Harry squatted down and helped her.

"Here..." he gave Ginny back the book. The book was entitled, "How to Gain Power" by a feminist writer who opposed anything ran by males. She snatched it from his hands.

"Thank you," she spoke no meeting eye contact with his pools of green.

Harry helped her up and asked, "How have you been? I haven't heard from you in ages."

"Oh…I'm doing quite well. I'm excelling in all my classes and I have found other activities to do besides quidditch," Ginny said factually.

"That's good to hear," Harry replied.

"Well, I must be off. I need to catch up with some reading," Ginny said. And with that she turned on her heel and walked away.

Harry didn't understand why things could not go back to the way they were before the final battle. He longed for Ginny's company. There was an empty hole between them that was filled with awkwardness. No. Thing couldn't possibly go back to the way they were. The final battle took away everything. Hermione was now in the hospital wing in Hogwarts and Ron is still a bit disappointed from Harry's break off with Ginny.

As much as he wanted to have things the way they were, Harry wanted to know what the future held for him. This was now the dawn of a new era. This was now the beginning of a new chapter. And what ever lay ahead of him, Harry had a feeling it could be the start of something new.

He walked across the bridge and passed the meadow he saw Luna dancing in this afternoon. She was gone, just as Harry thought. He neared the castle and climbed the stairs that led to the hospital wing. He wanted to make a quick stop to check up on Hermione. The bed was surrounded by a curtain that showed a silhouette of two people. One was sitting on a chair patting, what looked to be, the other person's hand.

Slowly he pulled the curtain to the side and saw Ron whispering to Hermione. Her eyes her open and she nodded as he whispered. They were finally aware of Harry's presence and faced his direction.

"How are you feeling, Hermione?" Harry asked.

"I'm doing --fine," she struggled with her words.

"They said she'll be out in another two days," Ron spoke.

"That's splendid. We ought to celebrate," Harry suggested.

"Oh…no really. There is no need," Hermione protested.

"That's a good idea, Harry!" agree Ron.

Hermione smiled and nodded. She changed the subject, " So what shall we do with WWS?"

"I'm not quite so sure yet but I have a couple of people in mind," Harry replied.

"Oh really.Who?" Ron asked.

"I was thinking about Neville and Draco," he answered.

"WHAT! That bloke! Why would you ever consider him?" asked Ron dumbfounded.

"Yes, why, Harry?" Hermione asked, lifting an eyebrow.

"Well, he was on our side to begin with and he is in contact with some of the death eaters. That could help us when we arrest them." Harry defended.

"Are you sure he's to be trusted?" asked Hermione.

"Of course he can't be trusted! You must be out of your mind!" Ron was highly appalled at this proposition.

"He can too. He helped us find a way to defeat Voldemort,remember?" Harry snapped. Ron quivered at the sound of his name, while Hermione did not.

"Honestly,Ron. There's no need to be afraid," Hermione said.

Just then they were disturbed by sudden crash. Harry peeked out of the curtain and saw Luna Lovegood lying on floor with surgical instruments around her.

"Oh no…not her again," Hermione moaned in aggravation.

"Why? What the matter?" questioned Harry.

"Well, for the past days she's been trying to help Hermione but she brings nothing but pain," replied Ron.

"Pain! Hmph! More like she's the angel of death!" exclaimed Hermione.

"Sh…she's coming this way," Harry warned as he quickly let go of the curtain.

The curtain abruptly parted and Luna said, "Hello!" Her eyes were beaming with cheerfulness.

"Uh…Hello, Luna," Ron replied with the same cheerfulness. Hermione moaned.

"Oh dear, you poor thing. You must need more hot water for that forehead of yours. Allow me to get it," suggested Luna brightly.

"NO! Please! No. It's alright. I don't need it thank you," Hermione denied.

"Well then, if you say so," Luna said. Her voice slowly drifted away when she noticed Harry's presence.

"Hello, Harry! It's a shame we were not able to accompany one another this afternoon," Luna said. Her dreamy blue eyes locked into his. Harry felt the need to look away. There was sincerity in those eyes.

"Forgive me, Luna. I had an appointment," Harry replied.

"That's quite alright," Luna said in a sing-song voice.

Just then Madame Pomfrey butted in. "Visiting hours are now over. Oh Miss.Lovegood, you're here again?"

"Yes, I just wanted to see if she was alright," Luna replied.

"She's well. Don't worry so much. AH! Mr. Potter. So good to see you," Madame Pomfrey greeted.

"Yes it is a pleasure to see you as well Madame Pomfrey," greeted back.

"I'm so sorry but the visiting hours are over. But before you leave can you take a photograph with me?" the woman asked.

Harry was startled by this suggestion. She thought of him as some sort of celebrity. "Er…sure."

"Good! Wait. Hold on a moment. I need to get my camera," she said.

"Oi…Mate, I should've warned you about that. You aren't the same Harry anymore. Look," Ron threw a newspaper at Harry.

Harry Potter a Hero and an Idol!

"Blimey! They're joking right?" asked Harry disbelievingly.

"No, I'm sorry to say," Hermione replied.

"Harry's you have always been my hero. I want you to know that," Luna added in randomly.

"Er…Thanks?" Harry said not believing what he just read.

Madame Pomfrey returned and flashed the camera at Harry and her. Harry's face held a look of confusion. A hero me?