Friends Until the End
Sunday arrived quickly for Hermione. At 8 o'clock Mona showed up on her doorstep, luggage in hand. Tears flowed freely from both girls eyes as they hugged and apologized. Draco made breakfast and then taking both his and Hermione's list disappeared to do their shopping. After that Hermione settled down with Mona in the kitchen and began to unravel the tail of the past five years of her life. Mona has looked surprised at first and then slowly nodded, a look of…both belief and understanding in her eyes.
"There was always something different about you. Everyone knew it…The guys especially. Remember Rob and Matt?"
"The two guys who used to tease us endlessly?"
"Yep, the same ones. They were at the riding--" Hermione started laughing.
"Rob and Matt? Riding?!"
"Yes. Anyway, they were at the camp. I showed them a picture your mom gave me last year. You should have seen their faces. They went all red and…oh, Hermione it was hilarious. And they remembered you. They said it always seemed like you brought the best out of people. You also radiated something they couldn't quite put their finger on.'
"My magic…They won't remember me after the funeral. No one in this town will. I have to leave this house Mona. You might not either…Unless you can willingly accept my--abilities."
"I used to believe in magic. Before they teach you it's not real…It's pretty easy to accept Mione."
"I'm giving the house to you Mona…I'm leaving this place."
"Will you come back?"
"Only to visit you…There are too many memories. I have this new place…Lots of grounds. You can come stay there too if you want. We'll figure something out."
"Another place?"
Hermione went on to explain her current predicament. Slowly the entire tale poured out. When she finally finished they poured over the contents of the folder Bob had sent admiring the lands and especially the horses.
---------
Monday came all to fast. Hermione took another drawn out shower and dressed in an ankle length black skirt and a pretty black blouse. She pulled her hair back in a tight knot and tried to keep her composure. Draco returned close to the time they were to leave dressed in a black silk shit and black pants. Mona, who had only jeans, shorts and t-shirts with her wore a short black skirt, nylons and a button-up black shirt. When she finally made her way downstairs, ten minutes before they had to leave, her eyes were already rimmed with redness and her tears blotted with tears. She'd received an owl from Bob, and was expecting him back on the 31st to go see the estate. It was a day after the spell would begin working. And then day before she had to return to Kingscross Station…To return to school. She'd received a short letter from Harry. Leaving her more confused then ever. It had had his apologies and some sort of coded statement which, in her present state of mind, she hadn't been able to puzzle out.
"Mona can you call a taxi?" she called as she made her way down the stairs. As Mona reached for the phone Draco put his hand over it. Taking it from her and placing it back on the cradle.
"My father sent a car Hermione. And his deepest regrets for your loss," Hermione muttered something inaudible under her breath and nodded softly.
"Send him my thanks next time you see him," Draco merely nodded.
A horn sounded outside and they all piled into the car. Mona gave the driver directions to the church and Hermione leaned against Draco trying to hold back her tears. It was barely a five minute ride, and they made it in silence. Hermione got out first and swayed ever so slightly. Draco climbed out and quickly took her elbow.
"You're okay Hermione…You can do this." he said softly. Mona appeared at her other side and they made their way into the church.
The coffins at the head of the church were closed, as Hermione had requested, Flowers were draped on both sides. Large bouquets, one from each of the many different flower shops in town, and others…From her parents clients, their friends…From basically everyone in town. Already tears were flowing freely down Hermione's cheek. Mona too was crying, and Draco was busily working out how he was going to support them both, but Mona's tears dried slowly as they sat silently in the front pew. Hermione spent the time on her knees praying. Five minutes after they arrived people began to trickle in. Before the service started, nearly a half hour later, the church was filled and there was barely any standing room left. Hermione only stopped praying when the priest appeared and began to speak.
"We are here, to say goodbye to our close friends. They were well-loved in our town. They helped those who need help, they were friendly and forward. Open and honest…They were all around good people," he paused to for a second to let It sink it.
"They are succeeded by their daughter Hermione and by the friends they left behind. Let their journey to judgment be a short one, and may their judgment be a good one. By the time he was done speaking most of the crowd was near tears, Hermione's face was pale and pinched.
"I would like to take a moment of silence to pass our prays onto the other families who lost loved ones in the attack on the convention center." The church fell completely silent…To everyone but Hermione. She could hear different voices, praying to the same god. All asking him to help the families who'd also lost come to term with their losses. Some prayed for the swift journey of her parents. She laid her head in her hands and began to cry in earnest.
"Would the pallbearers please come forward…" Draco stood and Hermione clung to Mona, who was equally upset and crying, though not as much. The crowd finally stood to make their way outside to the burial site.
Hermione didn't move. She knew she should, she knew she should go and listen to condolences. But she knew the double loss would hit hard…and she'd pass out. She could sense it. Something was very wrong with her. Finally Mona came back, she took Hermione's hand and said softly that everyone was gone. Hermione rose, two white lilies clutched in her hands, white from shock. They made their way slowly to place the flowers on the coffin. Hermione stood there, tears pouring down her already soaked, pale face.
I'm so sorry… She thought softly. Even though she knew it wasn't her fault. She felt it was. She was the reason they were dead. Had she never been reincarnated with Rowena's soul… She wouldn't be there. Mona patted her shoulder softly and said something about meeting her in the car. She assumed Draco was already there, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She didn't turn, expecting him to speak. Instead she heard a voice that she hadn't expected to hear until Kingscross.
"You okay 'Mione?" Harry asked softly. She turned and buried herself in his shoulder. He was taller, her head only reaching up to his chin. And he felt stronger. His presence was comforting. "I don't have long…I wanted to check on you. I gotta leave in a few minutes. Dumbledore okayed it….After a long fight."
"When are you going to HQ?" she asked finally, clearing her tears long enough to show some concern for her best friend.
"I'm not. Not this year, too dangerous. Too risky. I'll be going straight from the Dursley's to Kingscross…Maybe next year."
"Of course," she said softly. She'd been hoping to see him too. He hugged her tightly and she managed a weak smile. When he released her he pulled two lilies from his pocket and placed them on the caskets. The gravediggers were there now, and as she watched they began to cut into the ground. She turned away and walked slowly back to the church. Harry followed and for a half hour they sat and talked. Draco looked in once, and seeing them talking left quickly. He and Mona walked to the nearest store and got soda's and then climbed into the car to wait. Mona was a little impatient to change out of her skirt, but Draco seemed in no rush and they talked about life while Harry and Hermione chatted in the church. Draco told her about Hogwarts, and alternately she told him about Public schools. Something, even in his youth, had been foreign to him. 'Malfoy's don't go to Public Schools," he'd stressed to her when she laughed at his lack of knowledge. All in all they spent a good half hour getting to know each other, and Mona shared with him about her mother, and about Hermione's parents.
Finally Harry stood, grabbing one of Hermione's hands and pulling her up with him. Catching her by surprise she fell into him…He caught her, as if expecting it and smiled. Suddenly she felt her face flush. She looked down quickly, and he looked confused.
"Something wrong 'Mione?"
"No…" He looked unconvinced but let it slide. Tilting her chin up he kissed her lightly on the lips. She pushed him away.
"Harry…" She said, confused and uncomfortable now. The kiss had awoken old feelings. Those which she'd locked away after her 'crush' was gone.
"I'm sorry Mione…I've wanted to that for so long, but I've been afraid. I know…it was the wrong time," he said softly. She suddenly felt bad, he was a great guy…And half the girls at school still wanted him. Why didn't she? She berated herself, asking herself how she could feel this way. But hidden away was the answer, she just didn't want to admit it. Slowly she stepped towards him and kissed him lightly. It was a short kiss, but he looked like king of the world after it…And she felt like shit.
"I can't be a good boyfriend now Mione…But when we go back to school…?" He let the question trail off, looking afraid all of a sudden. As if he'd stepped onto closed territory.
"Let's wait until school to decide Harry," she said softly. She knew, of course, what her decision would be. How could she turn him down…She was afraid of hurting him, their relationship. But she was also drawn to him. So sort of attraction that she couldn't control. Frankly, it was something she didn't want to control. He smiled, once again king of the world and hugged her, then kissing her on the cheek. She returned the kiss, brushing his lips slightly and then walked with him to the back of the church, to a road, through the cemetery, but none the less, a road. He called the KnightBus and boarded, waving to her from the window. She smiled softly and waved back and then walked to the car, where Mona and Draco were patiently waiting.
Sunday arrived quickly for Hermione. At 8 o'clock Mona showed up on her doorstep, luggage in hand. Tears flowed freely from both girls eyes as they hugged and apologized. Draco made breakfast and then taking both his and Hermione's list disappeared to do their shopping. After that Hermione settled down with Mona in the kitchen and began to unravel the tail of the past five years of her life. Mona has looked surprised at first and then slowly nodded, a look of…both belief and understanding in her eyes.
"There was always something different about you. Everyone knew it…The guys especially. Remember Rob and Matt?"
"The two guys who used to tease us endlessly?"
"Yep, the same ones. They were at the riding--" Hermione started laughing.
"Rob and Matt? Riding?!"
"Yes. Anyway, they were at the camp. I showed them a picture your mom gave me last year. You should have seen their faces. They went all red and…oh, Hermione it was hilarious. And they remembered you. They said it always seemed like you brought the best out of people. You also radiated something they couldn't quite put their finger on.'
"My magic…They won't remember me after the funeral. No one in this town will. I have to leave this house Mona. You might not either…Unless you can willingly accept my--abilities."
"I used to believe in magic. Before they teach you it's not real…It's pretty easy to accept Mione."
"I'm giving the house to you Mona…I'm leaving this place."
"Will you come back?"
"Only to visit you…There are too many memories. I have this new place…Lots of grounds. You can come stay there too if you want. We'll figure something out."
"Another place?"
Hermione went on to explain her current predicament. Slowly the entire tale poured out. When she finally finished they poured over the contents of the folder Bob had sent admiring the lands and especially the horses.
---------
Monday came all to fast. Hermione took another drawn out shower and dressed in an ankle length black skirt and a pretty black blouse. She pulled her hair back in a tight knot and tried to keep her composure. Draco returned close to the time they were to leave dressed in a black silk shit and black pants. Mona, who had only jeans, shorts and t-shirts with her wore a short black skirt, nylons and a button-up black shirt. When she finally made her way downstairs, ten minutes before they had to leave, her eyes were already rimmed with redness and her tears blotted with tears. She'd received an owl from Bob, and was expecting him back on the 31st to go see the estate. It was a day after the spell would begin working. And then day before she had to return to Kingscross Station…To return to school. She'd received a short letter from Harry. Leaving her more confused then ever. It had had his apologies and some sort of coded statement which, in her present state of mind, she hadn't been able to puzzle out.
"Mona can you call a taxi?" she called as she made her way down the stairs. As Mona reached for the phone Draco put his hand over it. Taking it from her and placing it back on the cradle.
"My father sent a car Hermione. And his deepest regrets for your loss," Hermione muttered something inaudible under her breath and nodded softly.
"Send him my thanks next time you see him," Draco merely nodded.
A horn sounded outside and they all piled into the car. Mona gave the driver directions to the church and Hermione leaned against Draco trying to hold back her tears. It was barely a five minute ride, and they made it in silence. Hermione got out first and swayed ever so slightly. Draco climbed out and quickly took her elbow.
"You're okay Hermione…You can do this." he said softly. Mona appeared at her other side and they made their way into the church.
The coffins at the head of the church were closed, as Hermione had requested, Flowers were draped on both sides. Large bouquets, one from each of the many different flower shops in town, and others…From her parents clients, their friends…From basically everyone in town. Already tears were flowing freely down Hermione's cheek. Mona too was crying, and Draco was busily working out how he was going to support them both, but Mona's tears dried slowly as they sat silently in the front pew. Hermione spent the time on her knees praying. Five minutes after they arrived people began to trickle in. Before the service started, nearly a half hour later, the church was filled and there was barely any standing room left. Hermione only stopped praying when the priest appeared and began to speak.
"We are here, to say goodbye to our close friends. They were well-loved in our town. They helped those who need help, they were friendly and forward. Open and honest…They were all around good people," he paused to for a second to let It sink it.
"They are succeeded by their daughter Hermione and by the friends they left behind. Let their journey to judgment be a short one, and may their judgment be a good one. By the time he was done speaking most of the crowd was near tears, Hermione's face was pale and pinched.
"I would like to take a moment of silence to pass our prays onto the other families who lost loved ones in the attack on the convention center." The church fell completely silent…To everyone but Hermione. She could hear different voices, praying to the same god. All asking him to help the families who'd also lost come to term with their losses. Some prayed for the swift journey of her parents. She laid her head in her hands and began to cry in earnest.
"Would the pallbearers please come forward…" Draco stood and Hermione clung to Mona, who was equally upset and crying, though not as much. The crowd finally stood to make their way outside to the burial site.
Hermione didn't move. She knew she should, she knew she should go and listen to condolences. But she knew the double loss would hit hard…and she'd pass out. She could sense it. Something was very wrong with her. Finally Mona came back, she took Hermione's hand and said softly that everyone was gone. Hermione rose, two white lilies clutched in her hands, white from shock. They made their way slowly to place the flowers on the coffin. Hermione stood there, tears pouring down her already soaked, pale face.
I'm so sorry… She thought softly. Even though she knew it wasn't her fault. She felt it was. She was the reason they were dead. Had she never been reincarnated with Rowena's soul… She wouldn't be there. Mona patted her shoulder softly and said something about meeting her in the car. She assumed Draco was already there, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She didn't turn, expecting him to speak. Instead she heard a voice that she hadn't expected to hear until Kingscross.
"You okay 'Mione?" Harry asked softly. She turned and buried herself in his shoulder. He was taller, her head only reaching up to his chin. And he felt stronger. His presence was comforting. "I don't have long…I wanted to check on you. I gotta leave in a few minutes. Dumbledore okayed it….After a long fight."
"When are you going to HQ?" she asked finally, clearing her tears long enough to show some concern for her best friend.
"I'm not. Not this year, too dangerous. Too risky. I'll be going straight from the Dursley's to Kingscross…Maybe next year."
"Of course," she said softly. She'd been hoping to see him too. He hugged her tightly and she managed a weak smile. When he released her he pulled two lilies from his pocket and placed them on the caskets. The gravediggers were there now, and as she watched they began to cut into the ground. She turned away and walked slowly back to the church. Harry followed and for a half hour they sat and talked. Draco looked in once, and seeing them talking left quickly. He and Mona walked to the nearest store and got soda's and then climbed into the car to wait. Mona was a little impatient to change out of her skirt, but Draco seemed in no rush and they talked about life while Harry and Hermione chatted in the church. Draco told her about Hogwarts, and alternately she told him about Public schools. Something, even in his youth, had been foreign to him. 'Malfoy's don't go to Public Schools," he'd stressed to her when she laughed at his lack of knowledge. All in all they spent a good half hour getting to know each other, and Mona shared with him about her mother, and about Hermione's parents.
Finally Harry stood, grabbing one of Hermione's hands and pulling her up with him. Catching her by surprise she fell into him…He caught her, as if expecting it and smiled. Suddenly she felt her face flush. She looked down quickly, and he looked confused.
"Something wrong 'Mione?"
"No…" He looked unconvinced but let it slide. Tilting her chin up he kissed her lightly on the lips. She pushed him away.
"Harry…" She said, confused and uncomfortable now. The kiss had awoken old feelings. Those which she'd locked away after her 'crush' was gone.
"I'm sorry Mione…I've wanted to that for so long, but I've been afraid. I know…it was the wrong time," he said softly. She suddenly felt bad, he was a great guy…And half the girls at school still wanted him. Why didn't she? She berated herself, asking herself how she could feel this way. But hidden away was the answer, she just didn't want to admit it. Slowly she stepped towards him and kissed him lightly. It was a short kiss, but he looked like king of the world after it…And she felt like shit.
"I can't be a good boyfriend now Mione…But when we go back to school…?" He let the question trail off, looking afraid all of a sudden. As if he'd stepped onto closed territory.
"Let's wait until school to decide Harry," she said softly. She knew, of course, what her decision would be. How could she turn him down…She was afraid of hurting him, their relationship. But she was also drawn to him. So sort of attraction that she couldn't control. Frankly, it was something she didn't want to control. He smiled, once again king of the world and hugged her, then kissing her on the cheek. She returned the kiss, brushing his lips slightly and then walked with him to the back of the church, to a road, through the cemetery, but none the less, a road. He called the KnightBus and boarded, waving to her from the window. She smiled softly and waved back and then walked to the car, where Mona and Draco were patiently waiting.