Holy shit, you guys. Seriously. It's 2011. Holy shit. I never meant to put this story on hold for so long. I hate my life sometimes. I have totally let you all down, and I'm a horrible person, and anything else you want me to say. I'm sorry. But guess what? I'm back! I'm working on a new chapter for this story, and I'm excited about it again! Honestly, I needed the time away to work on other stuff and get my creative juices flowing again. By the way, I don't know if any of you read manga at all, but the stories that I was working on while I was away from this fic were based on the works of a mangaka known as CLAMP, whom I love. And I totally believe that Freefall is the best thing I've ever written, and I may adapt it into an original work at some point. So you might want to read it. Or not. I don't mind.
Anyway, I am working on Going Home again. I wanted to announce it and see if I even still had any readers out there. After putting this story on hiatus for so long, I'm not sure anyone even cares anymore. But just in case, I have this little filler to ensnare you into my world once again. After some of the reviews I got on Chapter 9, I felt that it was completely necessary to write out Harry's speech for Hermione. I'm going to go back and insert it into the end of Chapter 9 later, but for now, I present it to you with my promise that Chapter 10 is coming very soon. Honestly. I'm working on it right now...
"I'd like to say that Hermione is the sister I never had, but . . ." I swallow back my tears, which seem to be relentless today. "The thing is, I'm not sure even a sister would love as unconditionally, or make the sacrifices that Hermione has made. She went far beyond the call of sister or best friend. By virtue of hard work, intelligence, compassion, and sheer bloody-mindedness, she became the greatest hero of our recent war. I look up to her in ways too numerous to count. Why she chose to stand by such bumbling fools as Ron or I over the years, I'll never know." Pause for chuckle. Mustn't forget the touches of drama. "But nor will I forget. You see before you today a vision in lace and ivory, a woman who is known the world over for her brilliance and determination—but I still see that bushy-haired little girl who was brilliant before anyone noticed. The girl who broke all the rules and even stole from a teacher for me. The girl who stayed up late every night to help her idiot friend study, when she probably could have taken her NEWTs at age fifteen. The girl who sacrificed everything and walked through darkness without complaint. She was by my side every step of the way, and if I was allowed to have a Best Girl in my party, Hermione would be it. Ron, mate, you're more than lucky, and after all this time, you know that better than I do. She'd be taking a step down to be with any man. But I think she's lucky as well, because when she reaches for the stars, Ron will let her stand on his shoulders to get her a little closer."
Er, I think I've made Ron cry. That's awkward. Time to wrap this up.
"Congratulations, to both of you. Oh, and Ron? Next time she gets a pet that hates your pet, bring it to my office immediately."
That draws a chuckle from the bride and groom, and a lot of puzzled looks from everyone else. But who cares what they think? I'm toasting Hermione, not them. And she's beaming at me, so I guess it worked. Hell, now I think I've made myself cry.