Angel on Campus Keeperoliver Chapter 2
Harry arrived at Black Manor, in a bad state of mind. He felt rejected, scorned, turned away, ignored, and dismissed.
Ginny had rejected his attempts to talk to her. Hermione had scorned him, by telling him to go away. Neville turned him away with a flip of his hand. Ron had ignored him, and continued his way with Hermione's breasts. Luna had dismissed him, with those four words.
He never felt so alone in his life. All that he considered friends, had refused to accept his plea for help. In fact, the only person that showed he cared was Draco. It was a small gesture, but, at least he did talk to him. Any other time he would have taken advantage of Harry's weakness, but, for some reason, he tried to calm him down, and ignore his so called friends. Of course Harry couldn't do that, he hurt too much.
He went to his room, with his trunk, that he grabbed from the dorm, and emptied it's contents on the bed. He then filled it with what few clothes he had left, his album he received from Hagrid, in his first year, His cape from his father, and his wand. He searched through his school supplies, to see if he left anything, and found the broken mirror that Sirius had given him, in his fifth year. If only he had explained to Him what it was for, he would have never made the trip to the Ministry, and he would still have his Godfather, to get him through this shit he called life.
Harry sat on his bed, and tried to make sense of the past two hours. He might have been able to get by, if Hermione had not told him to go away. Surely she knew what Ron was doing, so she must have enjoyed it. It was a sick thought to think they were doing this, in the middle of the Great Hall, with all those grieving people.
He knew he might have misinterpreted Neville's hand gesture, or Luna's comment, but, there was no mistaking Ginny's rejection, Hermione's scorn, or Ron's ignoring him. What had he done to bring on those actions.
He finally finished his packing, and thought where he would go, to lose himself from the wizarding world. London was out, as was Little Whining, Godric's Hollow, and Any where near Ottery St. Catchpole. He had a little money left over from sixth year, that he left in his trunk. It was enough to get him a ticket some where. He was ready to leave, when he thought about Kreacher. He should tell him to take care of the Manor. Then he thought no, because then the others may ask if he had seen Harry. He couldn't do that to the elf. The less he knew, the better off he was. He will probably come by when he has time, and look after the Manor.
Harry left the Manor, and looked back at what hopefully would be the last time he would see anything Magical.
Harry went to King's Cross Station, and looked at the schedule for departures. He saw what he felt would be a good place to live, and went to the ticket window, for the price of a one way ticket. He had more than enough, and purchased a ticket to Cambridge, taking the First Capital Connect, which left in an hour. He waited for the train to arrive. His mood had not changed, and he felt a tug on his heart, as he knew he was leaving behind all the people he loved in the world. The fact that the feelings were not returned, was what was tugging on them. Finally, his Train arrived, and he boarded it for his destination.
AoC-}
The group of red heads were standing around the casket of Fred Weasley, watching as it was lowered into his final resting place. Tears were falling down their faces, as they said their final good bye. Two people stood away from the rest. Ginny and Hermione were not well received by her family. Ron also was not well received either, but, they accepted him, better than Hermione and Ginny. They could not believe he would do what he did, out in the public, in front of his family and friends, under the pretense of grieving for his brother. Hermione knew it was her words that drove Harry away, and could only blame herself. Ron's actions were the cause, but her words were the affect.
Ginny felt it was her rejecting Harry that was the cause of his leaving. What hurt her the most now, was the fact that she felt good after seeing his face, when she did it. She meant to hurt him, to make him feel the same pain she felt, when he broke up with her. She never meant for him
leave. She didn't take into account that he was hurting as bad as he was, or that the others would do what they had done. She knew that Neville and Luna's actions were misread by Harry, but the damage was done.
They tried to find him after he left, but, to no avail. They looked in Black Manor, and knew he had been there, finding his books on his bed, and all of their pictures he left behind. Upon seeing them, Her and Hermione began crying all over again. They knew that Harry didn't want any memory of them, where ever he ended up. They tried Godric's Hollow, Hogsmeade, Little Whining, where they got a less than cheerful reception, except from Dudley, who sounded like he really cared about what happened to Harry. They tried Diagon Alley, and Gringotts, where Hermione was once again greeted by a less than cheerful reception. They were not pleased with the Golden Trio, after their successful break in, theft of a dragon, and the damage they made, when they left the bank. They tried every place they could think of, but knew he would not hide there, because that would be too obvious.
After the funeral, Hermione made plans to go to Australia, to look for her parents. She would have liked for someone to go with her, but, with Harry gone, there was not enough money for her to take anyone with her.
She found her parents in Perth, and cancelled their memory block, but was hurt, when they decided to stay in Australia, since their business was thriving. Hermione stayed with them up until August 8, and returned to England, to be there for Ginny's birthday. She was getting tired of the less than warm receptions she kept getting. Ginny was still shunned by her family also. Waiting for her when she returned, was her letter from Hogwarts, asking her to return, to finish her schooling. She accepted her reinstatement, and stayed with the Weasleys, until time for school. She stayed out of their way, as they tended to get under her skin, with their off comments about Harry.
Finally, the day before her and Ginny left for Hogwarts, she and Ginny had, had enough. Molly and Bill were talking about why they never received a letter for Harry to return, and how awful it was for every one that they hadn't heard from him. "If some one would have talked to him, rather than reject his plea, or if some one else wouldn't have told him to go away, he would probably still be here."
"ENOUGH. How many times must Ginny apologize for our mistakes. Why don't you do this to Ron. He is as much to blame as we are. Are we going to be treated like this for the rest of our lives. You are going to drive Ginny away also, if this continues."
"They. Already. Have. Driven . Me. Away. When I am finished with Hogwarts, I will not be coming back here. I will find a place to live, and find a job." and with that, Ginny stormed up the stairs, followed by Hermione.
Molly was in tears. Her family was falling apart at the seams, and there was nothing she could do about it. She had put the barrier between her and Ginny. She had said those hurtful words to Hermione. She had not offered a shoulder for Harry to cry on.
AoC-}
Harry, for the first time in his life, got lucky, without the use of Felix. He arrived in Cambridge, and purchased a paper, to look for an apartment. He found one, next to the campus of Cambridge University. He got settled in, and was straightening up, when there was a knock on his door. He answered it, and was greeted by a young man with light brown hair. He introduced him self as Mike Smith. He was a student at the college, and he lived next door. Harry asked him in, but, to ignore the mess, to which Mike laughed, "I have been in this complex for three years. You want to see a mess, visit me some times."
They talked for a while, when Harry asked if Mike knew where he might find work.
Mike lit up. "Do you know how to bake?"
"As a matter of fact I do, why?"
"The kitchen staff just lost their Baker. He retired, and they haven't posted the job yet. Perhaps if you go in the morning, they will talk to you, about the position. well Harry I got to go. I got a big test tomorrow, and I need to study for it. Good luck with the job, see you later."
A year later, and Harry was still working as the primary Baker for the college. His delicacies were loved by all the students, and professors. He became so popular, he was asked to bake for special events, and private events. He had to bake extra every day, because different people asked to purchase items they felt were better than home made. Treacle Tart was one of them.
Harry was the happiest he had ever been. He was liked by every one. Mike and him became friends, and life was finally giving him hope. But, he still had times of depression. During these times, he would bring his cape out, and walk for a while. He did this, because he did not want to be disturbed.
He was in one of his moods one night, and was walking around the campus, when he heard a muffled scream. He ran to the spot where he heard the scream, and found two thugs threatening a young female student. Under the cloak, he approached the thugs, and hit one in the back of the head, knocking him out. The second turned to his partner, and watched as he fell to the ground, for no apparent reason. He looked back at the student, and when he did, Harry did the same thing to him, also knocking him out. The student was shaking, not knowing what was going on.
Harry spoke to her trying to calm her down, but, all he did was upset her even more, as she didn't know where the voice was coming from.
"Who are you, and what do you want? I don't have any money. Please don't hurt me." She pleaded.
"I'm not going to hurt you. I am only trying to help. You were being attacked, and I stopped them. Is that so wrong?"
The student gained her courage back. "No, there is nothing wrong with trying to help, but, there is something wrong, when it comes from an invisible source. Why can't I see you?"
"If you could see me, then I would not have been able to help, as they would have seen me also. I can't tell you how I do this, as you would not understand. Just be assured that I will be around, to stop any more of this type of attack. Now, I think you should get back to your residence, and have a cup of tea, to calm your self. I will take care of these thugs."
The student left, and Harry used the Thugs belts to secure them, and brought them to Campus Security, with a note pinned to their shirts, telling the guards what they had done.
The next morning, in the local paper, the headlines read:
Student Saved By An Angel
It seems that the young lady had appreciated Harry's aid, and reported it to the authorities.
Now, in stead of the boy who lived, he was the Angel. What is it with these nicknames.
AoC-}
Before they had graduated, Hermione and Ginny were approached by the Ministry, with offers for a job. They were both thrilled, but were then confused, when they told them they would talk to them, when their NEWTs were completed.
They had finished one and two in their class, and were once again approached by the Ministry officials. They were given a date to visit the ministry and briefed what they would be doing. It was the day after their graduation.
The graduation ceremonies left the girls thrilled that they had finished their Hogwarts years, the top of their class. Hermione had topped Ginny by one tenth of a percentage point. They each received 8 O's.
They were surprised when they saw Ginny's mom and dad at their graduation, but made no effort to go talk to them. Hermione felt bad, that Ginny had no wish to hear from them, but, made no comments. Molly and Arthur saw their daughter leave the stage, and then the Hall. She was going to make good on her promise. Molly cried, and Arthur did his best to comfort her.
Hermione and Ginny made their way back to the dorm, and were sitting in front of the fireplace. They were going over the different options for where to live, when there was a pop. behind them. They turned, and there was Kreacher standing there, wringing the hem of his outfit.
Hermione smiled brightly for him, "Hello Kreacher, how have you been?"
"Kreacher has been fine Missy, but he has a question for the young Miss."
"Which one of us are you talking about Kreacher?"
"Both of you Miss. This is hard for me to tell you, as it hurts me to talk about him. Master Harry asked me, before the final battle to make sure that if anything happened to him, you would have a place to stay. I have been working on Black Manor, in me spare time, and it is ready for you to move into it, if you wish. If you don't, then I will have to stay here at Hogwarts, as Kreacher has to have a purpose, in order to survive. He has to serve. Please take up living in Master's house. It is what he wanted. He never cancelled this request, so I would think he still wishes it to happen."
Hermione broke down in tears. Even after the way she had treated him. Even after the way he left, Harry was still thinking of her. And now it even added Ginny to the request. How could he be so thoughtful, when it seemed the whole world turned against him.
They both accepted Kreacher's offer, and he danced for joy, as he gets to return home, and care for someone, personally.
After moving into the Manor, the girls thought of different thing to decorate the personal rooms
with. Ginny had never changed her favorite color, so her room was decorated with the color green.
Hermione wanted to do her room green, but, when Ginny took it, she felt she had to be different. She went with a Mauve colored motif.
They went to bed, to get ready for their appointment the next day.
They arrived at the Ministry, right on time, and they were met by the two representatives that briefed them at school. To their surprise, they were taken to the Minister's office. Kingsley met them at the door, and ushered them and the two Reps. into the office.
"Hello Hermione, Ginny, how are you two? It's been a while since I last saw you."
Ginny spoke up, "We're fine Minister."
"Ginny, we have known each other long enough, and fought back to back against our common enemy. I think that gives you the right to call me by my name."
"Sorry Kingsley. Adults are not real happy with us right now, and I didn't know where I stood with you."
"Don't worry about it girls, every one will come to their senses sooner or later. Would you like something to drink?"
They accepted tea, and then Kingsley began the meeting, "Hermione, Ginny, we have a unique situation on our hands, and you two have come along at the right time. You both know what Unspeakables are, don't you?"
They both nodded.
"Well, for the first time in many years, there are two position that need to be filled, and I talked with the department head, and offered your names for the positions. He is an old friend,and he said he would interview you, when you are finished here, if you want the positions."
Hermione and Ginny were delighted. Hermione wanted to work for the Ministry, but, she never thought about being an unspeakable. Plus working with Ginny would be the best thing she could think of. They became very close during their last year together.
Ginny couldn't believe her luck. Getting a job so soon after graduation, and working with Hermione, in a dream job. They both accepted, and Kingsley and the two Reps led them down to the thew Dept. of Mysteries, for their interview.
An hour later, they walked out with their identification badges, they would start work the next day, as apprentices. They would hold that title for 1 year, then become full fledged Unspeakables.
AoC-}
George took Percy on as a partner in the WWW, and they took Ron on as a worker. Ron wasn't the most energetic person, but, he would do for the stocking of shelves, and running errands. Verity was there counter person, and she was a life saver. She loved her job, and loved the customers. She loved playing with the kids that came into the shop. It was her idea, to have little trinkets around, that they could give these children. It was a good business move, as the parents would then buy out of guilt.
They had moved on from the tragedy of a year ago, and forgiven Ron his stupid mistake. They tried to make up with Hermione and Ginny, but, they would not talk to anyone. Now, they didn't know where they were, just that they moved into a place after school. How they were making ends meet, they didn't know.
George still thought of Harry, and he missed him, almost as much as he missed Fred. No, he probably missed him more, because Harry was alive, and couldn't get in touch with him. George found a portrait of both Fred and himself in the attic at the Burrow, and as soon as he hung it in the store, his image came to life. Although it was a portrait, George felt it was like having Fred there all over again. It seemed that Fred was more than prepared for something to happen. He was always the one to plan ahead.
With the summer coming, and the students being off, they were looking forward to a good season, as the wizarding world was still recovering from the battle just over a year ago They had Ron running between the shop, and their warehouse. Ron didn't like to be around Fred's portrait, as he would not forgive Ron for his actions that day. He would always throw him a raspberry. George and Percy didn't mind, as Ron was a pain in the arse. They had him in the warehouse all day today, getting ready for a huge shipment. They were sitting down for lunch, when the floo lit up, and their sister's head shown through. Hey George, and Percy, would you be upset if Hermione and I came through?"
"Ginny, would you please stop that, we forgave you a year ago, for goodness sake."
Ginny, then Hermione came through, and they were hugged by both her brothers. George was thrilled to see the excitement on their faces, and wondered what they were dying to tell them.
"We found a place to live, and already have a job. Can you believe it?"
"Already, you have only been out of school what 1 day. You guys work fast. So, where, and where?"
"Huh?"
"Hermione close your mouth, before a stray hook floats by and gets caught in it. Where are you living, and where are you working?"
"Oh, well, we live at 12 Grimauld Place."
"What, wait, 12 Grimauld Place, like in Headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix is 12 Grimauld Place?"
"The same. And we work for the Ministry, in the Dept of Mysteries."
Percy looked up at this, "Unspeakables? Really, both of you? That is weird, as there is usually only one opening every four or five years. To be chosen as an Unspeakable, Ginny, is a great honor, and to be starting there with a friend is beyond amazing. Congratulations to both of you."
"Thanks Percy, glad to see some one in the family still cares about us."
"Gin, mom and dad still love you. You wouldn't believe how much mom misses both you and Hermione. She cried for four hours, after your graduation, because you didn't come and say hi. Gin, this weekend, please go by and talk to her. If she starts up with her Harry crap again, just leave. She is even believing she is responsible for Harry leaving. I don't know what's going to happen to her."
"Is she really that bad? How can she feel she is responsible for Harry leaving, that's absurd."
"By not giving him a hug, and a shoulder to cry on. She has always been there for Harry, when he needed a hug, but, not that time. You see Ginny, we all share the blame for Harry leaving. It's just harder for some to get over it."
"I know Percy, as I haven't gotten over it. I may never get over it, and I am mild compared to Hermione. I have to hold her at night, as she feels she is the one who caused Harry to leave."
"I know I am Ginny. What kind of a best friend tells her best friend to go away so that she can be felt up. Harry didn't deserve that, and it is exactly what I did. For over a year, Ginny, he has not even sent us a message. Where is he? What is he doing? I fear for him Ginny, what if he tried to hurt himself, or worse, try to kill himself, and succeeded? We wouldn't know Gin. We don't know."
And Hermione was crying again, but this time she was joined by three others.
They had to find out what happened to their Harry, they just had to.