FOR GRANTED
Chapter 2: Where is Hermione?
A little background:
The wedding of Bill and Fleur took place outside Bill's house. They had purchased the house before Fleur started staying at the Burrow. They wanted it this way so every agreed to them getting married there without any hesitation. Molly Weasley along with Fleur's mother had done a good job of decorating the place, it was a simple affair with close friends and family. Everyone was a little tensed because of the recent events and decided to have an emergency portkey nearby in case something goes wrong and their wands close. Most of the members of Order of Phoenix were present for the occasion.
Everyone's fear took the shape of a reality. They all landed at the burrow after taking the portkey. Arthur was holding Harry down who wanted to go back and fight along with Lupin and Tonks, a wave of relief passed over him when he saw first Tonks and then Lupin appearing just the way they all did. Remus had a panicked look on his face and said "I … I think Hermione is lost….she couldn't make it to the portkey and ….." he couldn't speak anymore, everyone was so shocked that they couldn't find it in them to speak, Ron to everyone's amazement, in a very calm voice said, "…and… and what …?" , Lupin looked up and said "I think she dissaparated…", "ha…have you guys learnt how to dissaparate?"…. he was answered by Ginny and Ron in a simple YES…Harry was just too shocked, looked at everyone and in a very stern and angry voice said," Why are you all not doing anything, we have to go back, WE HAVE TO GO BACK AND GET HERMIONE…" He felt a chill go up his spine which was nowhere near pleasant and heard different replies... "But Harry we don't know where she could've dissaprated to"…."She could be anywhere….", "Calm Down Harry…." But this time even Ron yelled…What do u mean Calm down, our best friend could be dead or captured and you guys are not even sure if she dissaparated or not. "She is NOT DEAD Ron…" interrupted Harry. Both Harry looked at each other and shared some sort of conversation after which they ran towards the broom closet to grab brooms and leave….Ginny got hold of Harry and Ron's arms and said in a very strong voice "Stop right there, where do you think you will go? You obviously can't go back to Bill's house (at which Fleur who had been very silent just like some of the others- sitting curled up next to bill gave a sobbed…Bill kissed her head over that)… Hermione can take care of herself like she always has so hold your horses, she is not a kid anymore…" By this time Charlie also came forward to stop Harry and Ron from doing anything rash. "yes your getting yourselves in to danger won't help matters so let the order…"Before either Harry or Ron could say anything, amazingly Fred spoke up, "Ginny, just shut up, the situation we all came across was hardly handled by the grownups or aurors for that matter so don't go around saying Hermione is old enough". Tonks was next, "Harry, Ron… you stay here, Remus and I will handle it, we will get help from aurors if needed", before either of them could say anything both Lupin and Tonks apparated away.
Everyone behind remained silent, Ron had his head in his hands while Harry was pacing around, Molly weasely got up to make tea for everyone, Bill took Fleur upstairs to rest while Gabrielle was too shaken up and was huddled between her parents. She then got up and tried to comfort Ron by patting his back, he seemed thankful for the gesture. Harry had headed upstairs towards Ron's room; all sorts of bizarre thoughts were coming in his mind. He was ashamed for he just realized that he did not think of Hermione when he used the portkey; the only reason he and Ron even began to think about her was because of the announcement Remus made when he showed up, "what kind of best friends are we? Where do our priorities lie? I am...well …I saved Ginny and Ron went for Gabrielle …", while he was busy thinking all these things, Ginny appeared by his side with a cup of tea. He never knew when she entered the room, he was so involved thinking that he didn't notice the knock on the door or opening of the door. After taking tea from her hands, an uncomfortable silence took place… Harry uttered a small 'thanks', right when Ginny started talking.. "I know... well your welcome...", "Harry I know what you must be thinking and I know you are probably blaming yourself for her actions, it's not your fault. She should've done what everyone else had done, she could've easily grabbed the portkey but she did otherwise so it is not your fault. She just ..." and then Ginny stopped talking. Harry turned towards her and stared at her,"she just…what?" "Never mind Harry I just want you to know that I am here with you and will always be, stop blaming yourself for her…umm…Well her attention seeking actions"…saying this she left the room. Harry just stood there staring after her in angry silence. "She is wrong, Hermione is not an attention seeker, and she is genuine, brave and …. Well she is not an attention seeker for sure, I know her better than anyone else – both Ron and I because we are her best friends, Ginny is just angry or scared maybe…trying to pull up a brave front and therefore doesn't know what she is talking about…." Harry thought. "or may be she is still not over the fact that we are not together anymore, I wish things were different…",once again Harry's thoughts wandered away.
Another voice sounding very much like Sirius's voice talked in his head, "some best friend you are… leaving her there, didn't even try hard to go after her and in the end feeling sorry for your own self for not having a relationship with Ginny anymore". Harry kept thinking about the comforting smile she had given him during the ceremony, "God I am going crazy…I will never forgive myself if anything happened to her"
It had gotten dark now and Harry was getting all sorts of mixed up thoughts where he would convince himself that it was not his fault and that Ginny was right, Hermione should've done what everyone else had done i.e. grabbed the portkey and then he would think about going after her…" he then heard some sort of noise coming from downstairs. He quickly moved towards that direction. He noticed that nobody was there in the room and saw Mr. Weasley talking to someone over the floo connection, along the lines of "…yes we will get there now," but was interrupted by a female voice, "It is alright…no need to come Mr. Weasley, she is in good hands, she has some wounds that have been taken care of but she needs bed rest for now. Such a pretty girl, I had tears in my eyes when I saw the kind of wounds she had. By the way don't inform her parents, she doesn't wish for them to know. She will be brought over to your place pretty soon." Arthur thanked the lady. "BTW Congratulations Arthur, I was informed by Nymphadora about your son's wedding and yet I am sorry for such a glorious day was spoilt for you all. Good Bye", Arthur Weasley, "Thankyou so much Mrs. Diggory, we really appreciate your informing us." He turned towards everyone, who had questioning look on their faces – "let me do the talking and no interruptions please!"
Please review people and let me know about mistakes and all. This is the first time in my life I have written something well other than letter to editors. Thanks, hope you enjoy!