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The Aftermath
There was a small pop as Hermione appeared in front of the ruined gate. One of the winged boars was still mostly intact, but its twin was in many pieces on the ground. She cleared her throat trying to quell the emotions already welling up as she strode quickly up the lane. Several other witches and wizards were already working to clear and repair some of the destruction on the lawn. She walked past without a word, focused on the task at hand.
The large oak front doors were open to the late spring air. As Hermione approached she could see the splintering where they had been forced open. In the entrance hall she had to weave her way through the maze of stone and rubble where Filch had already attempted to clear a path. She entered the great hall and found Professor McGonagall directing a group of middle aged witches. She saw Hermione and gave her a slight smile.
"I'm sorry I'm late, Professor," Hermione said after the other women had dispersed.
"Not at all, dear. I imagine it's been a very difficult week at the Burrow."
Hermione nodded.
"Well, there's lots to do," McGonagall said dropping her soft tone for her usual curtness. "Of course the entrance hall should probably be taken care of first, but also the lawn needs quite a bit of attention and in here as well. Wherever you'd like to lend a hand I'm sure would be most appreciated."
"Actually, Professor, I'd like to start in the library. If that's alright, I mean."
Professor McGonagall nodded. "Yes, I rather think you would. Mr. Macmillan is already up there and I'm sure Madam Pince wouldn't refuse the extra help."
"Thank you, Professor." Hermione nodded and turned to exit the hall.
The familiar walk to the library was anything but. Hermione climbed over fallen stone, hopped across holes in the stairs, and made several detours around impassable corridors. She finally reached the entrance to the library. Hermione stood for a moment, trying to prepare herself for what she might see. Already she could see part of the wall blasted in and books scattered around the opening. The carved oak doors bore scorch marks and the iron handles were knocked off kilter. She gathered her strength and pushed open the doors.
Immediately she was struck by the smell. It didn't smell like the library she loved. Behind the smell of damp and ash, that familiar scent peeked through, but Hermione was overwhelmed with the other. She began to walk through the stacks running her hand along the shelves, carefully stepping over the tomes littering the floor. Without really thinking about where she was going, she found herself in her favorite section. The shelves in that section were all empty, their entire contents strewn across the floor, the pages singed and curled. A familiar cover peeked through one pile. Hermione gently removed the books from the top. She picked up the unearthed book. The cover was badly burned but some of the original color shone through. She carefully opened the book. Many of the pages were burned or illegible. She turned to the front cover and there was able to make out her name written on several of the lines. She traced the letters with her fingers. Her breath caught in her throat and she clutched her favorite book tightly to her chest as she dropped to the floor and began to weep.
For the Sims 3 challenge: Personality trait- bookworm
Also written for the restricted collection: no using the letter "j"
WC: 575