Chapter 5: Coming Back To Life

Hermione woke up to the sound of birds chirping in the tree beneath her window and the smell of breakfast seeping up the stairs from the kitchen. She snuggled under the covers and let the sounds of morning coax her to full awake. The contrast to the previous day was overwhelming. While she still missed her parents, the desperation, which permeated her being, was gone. After a good night's sleep, her mind felt much clearer, and the terrible burden of guilt and secrecy was relieved after the long talk with her friends.

She got up and walked into the bathroom, adjusting the water temperature carefully before taking a shower. A repeat performance of yesterday's fiasco was highly undesirable and her skin was still sensitive, even after Viktor's cooling charm. When she returned to her room, she stopped in her tracks and looked around, frowning. Her usually immaculate room was a total mess—dirty clothes were everywhere and a thick layer of dust covered everything, even her favourite books. Once more, Hermione realised the extent of her depression. She took her wand from the bedside table and went to work. When she went down to breakfast half an hour later, she left behind a room in spotless condition.

Feeling content, Hermione peeked into the kitchen and saw Ginny reading a book and tapping her foot to a song on the Wizarding Wireless. She raised her head and smiled radiantly at her friend.

'Good morning, Hermione! You look so much better today, I'm glad that Professor Snape's suggestion worked. Have some breakfast.'

Hermione enjoyed a plate of scrambled eggs and toast and listened to her friend's wedding plans. She was glad that Ginny had sensed her need to go back to everyday life and didn't broach any sensitive subjects. At some point, a pretty falcon flew in and extended his leg to Hermione. She gave it a piece of bacon and read her letter.

'Viktor is coming, we will have to cook dinner for five.'

Ginny smirked.

'You mean that I will have to cook it, while keeping you away from any sharp objects?'

Hermione glared at her friend.

'You'll have to know that I haven't cut myself even once when I prepare potion ingredients!'

Ginny raised her hands in mock defeat.

'Okay, okay, you are the Potions Prodigy; I am the Cooking Champ. Though, I don't think the boys would appreciate a Draught of the Living Death for dinner.'

Both girls got a mental picture of Harry and Ron's faces and they burst into giggles. When they calmed down, Hermione wiped her tears of mirth and said quietly, 'You know, it's good to be able to laugh again.'

Ginny leaned over the table and gave her a quick hug.

'I understand, Hermione, and I'm happy that you're better. Now, go clean out your room, young lady! I don't know if you've noticed, but it's a complete pigsty.'

Hermione gave her a smug smile.

'I already did. But you're right, I believe even Harry's room was never that bad.'

Gin agreed and stood up.

'That reminds me—I have a lunch date with him. We're going to Andromeda's to see Teddy. Do you feel like coming along?'

Hermione shook her head slowly.

'I don't think it would be wise, Ginny. I need to sort thinks out a bit more before I can see other people. Maybe next week?'

'I see. Maybe you're right. Okay, I'll be back sometime in the afternoon to cook dinner. Something traditional? Or maybe Italian, I have a new Spaghetti Carbonara charm I want to try.'

Hermione nodded vigorously.

'Italian will be perfect. It seems English cuisine is too bland for Bulgarians.'

After Ginny left, Hermione went up to her room and curled up in bed with an old Potions tome. Suddenly, she got an idea and went to rummage in her old school trunk. From a small compartment, she retrieved a short silver necklace with an elaborate H as a pendant. It was a gift from her parents; the only thing she had left,as she had destroyed all family photos in an attempt to erase any connection between them. She put the chain on her neck and the small silver letter lay neatly on her breastbone. It still hurt, but wearing the pendant somehow helped her come to terms with her loss. She caressed it and whispered, 'I'll come and visit you soon. I hope you are together, wherever you are.' She climbed back into bed and picked up her book. Smelling the old musty pages, she smiled to herself, 'Ah, it's good to be me again. The bookworm is back, so watch out.'

Harry and Ron arrived tired after a hard day only to endure a tirade from Hermione about proper behaviour towards guests. After enduring ten minutes of veiled threats against their naughty bits if they so much as breathed the wrong way, Ron finally raised his hand to stop her.

'Okay, we get it; we will behave. Won't we, Harry?'

Harry was grinning like a nutter at Hermione.

'I said I wanted to apologise, right? Look at her, next thing she will ask for our wands.' Ignoring her glare, he leaned in and gave her a peck on the cheek.

Later, when the doorbell rang and Hermione answered, Viktor took her hands and looked her over. Then he flashed a brief smile and said 'Now this is my Hermione!'

Harry and Ron sniggered at her grumbled 'I wish everyone would stop saying that.'

Harry stepped forward and proffered his hand.

'I apologise for my behaviour yesterday; it was uncalled for. I know you wouldn't hurt Hermione and I thank you for being her friend.'

Viktor accepted Harry's hand and shook it firmly.

'I accept your apology. I see you have taken good care of her since yesterday.'

Hermione tapped her foot on the floor.

'Excuse me, would you please stop talking as if I am not present? Thank you.'

Ron was staring at Viktor with curiosity.

'When did you learn to speak such good English?'

Hermione turned to swat him on the head for his tactlessness, but her hand stopped mid-air and she turned to Viktor.

'Hey, Ron's right. Now you can even pronounce my name.'

Viktor smiled again.

'Three years have passed since the Triwizard Tournament and then my knowledge of English was basic. We had a quick course before we left, so we could communicate to the people in Hogwarts, and that's it. Besides, our teacher was Russian and they have some issues with pronunciation. I have studied English extensively since, it is a very international language.'

After that issue was cleared, they ate dinner. Ginny's spaghetti were a smashing success and Viktor looked decidedly happy. After dinner, Hermione suggested drinks in the library. When everyone was settled, Ginny, Ron, and Harry turned expectant looks towards her. She took a deep breath and started.

'As you are all aware, I forgot to send my application letters. I still cannot believe I was messed up to such an extent, but the fact remains. It's already very late and probably all the available positions are filled. Viktor told me that there is a new program in Bulgaria, taught by the Durmstrang's Potions Master. This fact is not widely known and there might be a position available for me.'

Viktor nodded.

'There is, I already checked. I know you have not decided yet, but I wanted to make sure.'

Hermione looked at her friends' faces. They displayed a whole kaleidoscope of emotions. It was Ron who finally said what they all felt.

'We will miss you, Hermione. But this is important for you and I think you should go. Right mates?'

The other two nodded, Ginny with tears glistening in her eyes. Hermione felt her own eyes well up. She felt Viktor's hand grasp hers.

'You have good friends, Hermione.' He turned to the others and spoke solemnly.

'It seems I owe you an apology as well. After seeing her yesterday, I presumed in my anger that you didn't care about her. Now I know better. I am sorry.'

Hermione considered her possibilities. She could wait and apply for the next academic year, but the thought of sitting around and doing nothing didn't appeal to her. She felt nervous about going so far away from home, but after all there was the Floo. Harry was talking about installing a telephone in Grimmauld Place so that was an option too. She could go home for the vacations…

She looked up and saw everyone looking at her with little smiles. Apparently, they recognised the "wheels turning" expression on her face. She sighed and took her wand out.

'Accio application letters!' Several rolls of parchment flew from the upper floor. Hermione caught them neatly and unrolled one of them. She made the necessary corrections, changing the name of the institution and the addressee, and sealed the scroll. Then she tossed the rest of them into the fireplace and grinned.

'That's it. Viktor, please keep this for me and send it tomorrow. I'd hate to get another bout of forgetfulness.'

The Bulgarian chuckled and tucked away the letter in his robes, promising to use his falcon for faster delivery.

At some point later, Hermione excused herself and went to bed, promptly followed by Ginny. The boys were left alone in an uncomfortable silence. It was broken by Harry who looked embarrassed but determined.

'Viktor, I know it probably isn't my right to ask, but I have to know…do you still have any romantic interest in Hermione?'

Viktor looked at him, clearly bewildered.

'What makes you say that?'

'Oh, come on! She was the one thing most precious to you in the Triwizard Tournament; you arrived here all of a sudden. Now she's coming to Bulgaria with you. I just want to know what's going on.'

Surprisingly, Ron took Viktor's side.

'Hey, the tournament was three years ago, Harry. And it's not like he is staying in Bulgaria, he travels a lot with the team, don't you, Viktor?'

Viktor looked down at the floor and sighed.

'There is that…I don't play in the Bulgarian team any more.'

Both boys gasped in astonishment. Viktor lifted his robes a little and revealed a long ugly scar on his leg.

'A stupid collision during practice. I tore several ligaments and almost pulverized my kneecap. If I was a Muggle, I wouldn't be able to walk ever again, but even magic can only do so much.' He raised his eyes to meet the sympathetic looks of Harry and Ron. 'Don't look at me like that, I am allowed to fly; I can even play a friendly game. However, professional Quidditch is out of the question.'

Harry patted Viktor's back.

'I feel for you, mate. In Fifth year, there was that Ministry hag in Hogwarts, she tried to ban me from playing Quidditch for life. It sucks because you are one of the best, but at least you can still fly.'

'Yes, that counts for something. I still have most of the money I made during my short but stellar career, so now I can go to university on my own terms. I'd hate to be dependent on my parents.'

Harry raised his eyebrows.

'This brings us back to my question about Hermione.'

Viktor shifted in his seat.

'You'd think that I have a lot of friends, being an international Quidditch star, right?'

Both boys nodded in unison. The Bulgarian smiled wryly.

'I also thought so. Imagine what happened after it was announced that I'm retiring.'

Ron looked confused, but Harry's eyes glittered angrily.

'I suppose the same thing that happened to me after the Ministry proclaimed that I was a liar when I said that Voldemort was back.'

Viktor seemed startled for a moment, but then he nodded. 'Yes. In such times, you see who your real friends are. Mine turned out to be less than I can count on the fingers of my hand.'

Finally understanding dawned on Ron's face.

'So you came to see the one person who never cared that you are a Quidditch star.'

'Yes. I may have been infatuated with her three years ago, but now I see her only as a friend, a dear friend. I only wanted to see her, maybe cry on her shoulder a bit. It was pure chance that she needed a shoulder to cry on more than I did. I only suggested the university in Sofia after she told me about her late applications. So, as you see, I had no ulterior motives except establishing contact with an old friend. I have precious few left.'

Harry stood up and extended his hand to the Bulgarian and Ron followed quickly his example.

'I think I speak for both of us, but I'd like you to consider us amongst those few.'

Viktor looked surprised, but then smiled his rare full smile and shook their hands.

On the upper floor landing, Ginny quietly retreated to the bathroom after some benevolent eavesdropping. She was incredibly proud with both Harry and her brother—they seemed to grow up a little every single day.

One week later, Viktor's falcon returned with an apprenticeship contract and a personal letter from Master Borisov. She was having breakfast with Viktor at the Leaky Cauldron and the letter made her choke on her pumpkin juice.

"Dearest Miss Granger,

I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to be able to tell Severus Snape whenever I meet him that I am teaching the student who beat his Potions NEWT score. I am very impressed with your overall achievements and I am looking forward to our working relationship.

George Borisov, Potions Master"

After patting Hermione on the back, Viktor snatched the letter and read it quickly. He snorted and then started to laugh aloud.

'He is a loony old man, but he is one of the best. Sometimes his sense of humour is unnerving, but if you get past that, you can learn a lot from him.'

Hermione finally managed to clear her windpipe and wiped the tears from her eyes.

'Why would he want to tease Professor Snape? Are they on bad terms?'

'You mean you don't know? He apprenticed under Borisov. Borisov used to say that Snape was the best he ever taught, but he was too full of himself about his Potions skills. The old bear will not let him hear the end of this, mark my word.'

Hermione frowned. 'That's not very nice!'

Viktor shrugged. 'Crazy old men get their kicks in weird ways.'

Hermione thought about it and muttered, 'At least I hope he isn't stuffing his face with lemon drops all the time…'

She picked up the contract and read it over carefully. It was a pleasant surprise that all of the potions developed by her throughout the duration of her apprenticeship would remain in her name. Most of the masters took advantage of their apprentices and appropriated any ideas and projects as their own. She looked quizzically at Viktor. He read it over her shoulder and shrugged again.

'He has enough money and he is known as one of the best. He doesn't need to use you for fame or riches. Besides, the other masters will have kittens when they hear about that and he enjoys to provoke people, as I have already said.'

Hermione giggled and continued to read. There was no set time period for her to finish her studies. Her apprenticeship was considered over when the master felt that she had acquired all the necessary skills and knowledge, and when she passed the International Potions Master Examination. Overall, she felt very happy about the conditions of the contract and she pressed her wand to the indicated space. The parchment glowed for a second and disappeared. Viktor took her hand and gave her a brotherly kiss on the forehead.

'Congratulations, you are now officially an apprentice too.'

Hermione smiled contently. Viktor's own contract had arrived the day before and when she demanded an explanation, he told her all about his injury and his disappointment in his so-called "friends". At first, Hermione had a fit of righteous anger on his behalf. When she calmed down, she told him it was all for the better, because all those phoney people didn't deserve his friendship. She was very pleased about his choice of study, which was Transfiguration. She was also glad that she wouldn't be all alone in a foreign country and she awaited her departure with a lot less trepidation.

Hermione had already told her closest friends about her depression and her parents. The story brought fresh tears from the Weasleys, Andromeda Tonks, and Minerva McGonagall, but somehow she didn't feel guilty any more. After talking to everybody, she truly felt absolved. She tried sleeping alone and though an occasional nightmare still bothered her, it was never as vivid and tormenting as before. Molly was concerned about her going to university so far away, but Harry, Ron, and Ginny firmly supported her decision. Poor Viktor was invited to a family dinner at the Burrow and had to endure a long grilling about his intentions towards Hermione. Apparently, Molly had read too many tabloids and her mental image of him was of a no-good-maiden-seducing Lothario. That led to a lengthy explanation on Viktor's part about his friendship with Hermione and the end of his Quidditch career. Of which at that point, Molly had deflated and changed her tune. Soon, "the poor boy" was being fed and mothered to death, but he honestly didn't seem to mind too much. When he left, he was considered a part of Molly's flock.

There was only one thing Hermione needed to do before she left. After telling Kingsley the whole story, he gladly provided her with a second Portkey to Brisbane. This time, she took Harry with her for moral support. They visited Mrs. Sullivan and she beamed when she recognised Hermione.

'I am glad to see you, child! You looked so distressed last time and you left so suddenly. You look better now. Is that your young man?'

Hermione explained that, no, Harry wasn't her young man and enquired about her parents' graves. Mrs. Sullivan gave them both the address of the cemetery and directions. Soon they were standing in front of a granite tombstone. The plaque said, 'Wendell & Monica Wilkins, missed by all their friends.' Hermione caressed the cold stone.

'Look, Harry, there are fresh flowers. They had friends here; they had a life. They were happy.'

Harry squeezed her shoulder.

'Yes, it seems they were. It wasn't your fault, Hermione. You did everything in your powers to protect them. They wouldn't want you to feel responsible.'

She only nodded and knelt on the ground. Her fingers touched lightly on the soil and she thought, 'Goodbye, Mum. Goodbye, Dad. I love you.' She stood after several minutes and wiped her hands on her jeans.

'Come on, Harry, let's go. I need to pack.'

Harry took the Portkey from his pocket and they both grabbed it. He pressed his wand to it and they disappeared. Neither noticed the white carnations growing on the grave.

Severus gathered his notes carefully and stepped into the fireplace. A second later he arrived in his old master's office in the middle of a coughing fit. He brushed the soot off his shirt and glared at the smiling old man.

'For Merlin's sake, George, stop twinkling! You remind me of Dumbledore.'

Master Borisov's smile only broadened.

'Severus, charming as ever. Go, take a good look around so you will not have to travel in such an undignified manner again. Meanwhile, give me those notes.'

The old man put on a pair of glasses and started to read. An hour later, he lifted his eyes to look thoughtfully at Severus.

'This might just do it, but it needs a lot more work.'

'I know. I will speak to Vesna, maybe she can help.'

Severus collected the parchments and prepared to Apparate when George's voice stopped him.

'By the way, I will be teaching one of your students this year. An exceptional student if I may say so.'

He lifted an eyebrow in question. The old bear was up to something.

'I have never seen such NEWT scores, Severus! Why, she even beat your record, imagine that.'

Severus turned around slowly.

'Are you talking about Miss Granger? Hermione Granger?'

'Yes, the very same. I take it that you remember her?'

A slow smile was spreading across Severus Snape's face. So, he wouldn't have to return to England after all.

'Yes, I remember her very well. She will pester you with questions until you wish to silence her, but I am sure she will excel. It is good that you've told me; I will come to visit you when she arrives. I want to extend my personal congratulations about her NEWT score. Good day, George.'

Severus Disapparated, leaving behind a very bewildered and disappointed Master Borisov. He had so hoped to see Severus throw a fit, he wasn't known as a good loser. Maybe the boy had lost his edge after the war...pity.

A/N: My deepest gratitude to Gryffindor_Slytherin for beta-reading. Thanks to everyone who left a review, I really appreciate it.
This chapter's title belongs to Pink Floyd.