STAR JOURNEY, PART 2
With the night enveloping them in its dark cloak, Harry and Hermione found themselves in front of the broken mirrors that had been the path to the labyrinth of mirrored dimensions. Hermione was weak, her strength leaving her due to the energy that had been drained from her while she was trapped. However, her gaze was filled with concern for Harry.
"You shouldn't do this, Harry," Hermione murmured with a trembling voice. "We don't know what could happen. "You are also weak and...
"I can't let you continue to weaken, Hermione," Harry interrupted gently. "You're right, I'm weak, but I know I can do it. Lupin is right, I must cast the spell.
Hermione squeezed his hand gently, but the fear in her eyes was still palpable. She looked at Lupin, who nodded in understanding.
"Harry is right, Hermione," said Lupin. "You are too weak right now. He is the only one who can do it.
"Just... just be careful. I don't want to lose you. Not again" Harry smiled tenderly and caressed her cheek.
"Nothing is going to happen to me. I'll be back with you in the blink of an eye".
However, Hermione was still reluctant, her lips pressed together anxiously.
"Hermione, I know you are worried about Harry, but you must understand that he is the one who can do this" Remus explained calmly "You are weak and cannot withstand the power of this spell in your current state. Harry is stronger now, and together you found your way back to your dimension.
Hermione bit her lower lip, fighting her emotions. She knew Lupin was right, but she couldn't help but feel that knot of anxiety in her chest.
"Trust Harry and his ability to do this" Remus added softly.
Finally, Hermione nodded, her eyes filling with tears.
Harry exhaled deeply and concentrated on the spell. He knew that dark magic was dangerous and delicate, but right now, his focus was on Hermione and getting her home safely. He raised his wand firmly and spoke the words of the spell.
"Stellae Nexus Portus!"
Magic flowed from Harry in a torrent of intense energy. His eyes glowed with a magical glow as he channelled his power into the spell. The air seemed charged with electricity and vibrated with magical energy.
The stars began to shine brighter in the night sky, emitting an intense and almost eerie light. It was an unusual glow, it was not a warm, comforting light, but a cold, piercing light. Dark magic intertwined with the very essence of the stars, forcing them to align in mysterious patterns. Hermione felt a shiver run down her spine as she watched the process, aware of the power and darkness they were manipulating.
She watched in amazement as the stars moved in the sky. They seemed to respond to Harry's call, lining up in a formation that began to draw a path of points of light in the air. Each star seemed to be in perfect harmony with the others, forming a pattern leading in a particular direction.
The trail of twinkling lights took on a more defined shape as the stars aligned. Soon, the points of light drew a figure that was beginning to gain clarity: a mirror. It seemed as if the stars themselves had aligned to create the image of a mirror in the air, illuminated by their magical light.
It was disconcerting as if the stars had converged to fulfil an ancient purpose.
Hermione's heart was pounding against her chest as she watched the magical spectacle in front of her eyes. It was an impressive sight, as if the universe itself was lining up to guide them.
Remus watched in amazement as the stars aligned and created the portal. He had seen many wonders in his life, but this was something completely unique and special. The magic emanating from Harry was really powerful.
The stars formed a bright, winding path in the sky, guiding towards the portal they were creating. Points of light connected, weaving a web of energy that outlined a mirror, its edges flashing with an icy glow. Hermione held onto her wand tightly, feeling the tension in the air as the portal continued to take shape.
Finally, the portal was complete. The mirror shone with golden light, emanating a cold glow.
With the last flash of magic, Harry stopped channelling his power into the dark spell. The magical energy that had been flowing from him dissipated into the air, leaving him exhausted and weakened. His knees shook slightly, and a sigh escaped his lips as he struggled to stay upright.
Harry's eyes, once filled with magical radiance, dimmed, revealing the deep exhaustion that consumed him. His breathing was labored, and the glow of determination that had propelled him through the spell was now giving way to an expression of exhaustion.
Hermione quickly approached him, worried about Harry's condition. His face reflected the effort it had taken to channel such an amount of dark magic.
Lupin, also aware of the magical cost Harry had just paid, approached them. He knew that facing dark magic was not an easy task, and even less so when it came to opening portals between dimensions.
Harry tried to offer a smile, but it was clear that fatigue had overcome him. He leaned lightly on his wand, needing that extra support to stay upright.
Finally, after a few long seconds, he was able to stand up and catch some breath to finish what they had to do.
Harry looked at Hermione and took her hand.
"We're ready, Hermione," he said with a soft smile.
Hermione nodded, concern still reflected in her eyes, but her trust in Harry intact. They had faced impossible challenges and overcome insurmountable obstacles. They approached the portal hand in hand, ready to cross into their dimension.
However, just as they were about to take the first step, a sharp scream broke the silence. The dark Hermione had regained consciousness and was standing, her gaze filled with fury and desperation.
"I won't let him go!" she exclaimed in a deranged voice. "He belongs to me! You belong to me, Harry!"
Lupin moved quickly to stand between the dark Hermione and the two young people. His expression was a mixture of sadness and firmness.
"I'm not going to allow it," Remus said with a soft but determined voice. "You can't control them anymore. Let them go.
Dark Hermione screamed in frustration and launched a dark spell at Lupin, but he skillfully blocked it. He knew she was struggling with her own inner darkness, and he couldn't let it cause them harm.
"Go away!" Remus exclaimed while holding up a magical barrier.
Hermione and Harry exchanged glances, and in that moment, they shared a deep understanding. It was time to move on, to leave the darkness and fear behind.
Dark Hermione was still fighting against the magic barrier that Lupin was holding up, but her resistance was in vain. With a final cry of frustration and pain, the dark magic surrounding her faded and she fell to the ground, exhausted and defeated.
The light from the portal enveloped Harry and Hermione, and for an instant, the world seemed to blur. The wind howled around them as they were swept away by a whirlwind, the feeling of chaos and confusion enveloping them.
The path traced by the stars was unstable and tortuous, with flashes of colors and shadows that faded. The feeling of being in a place between worlds was overwhelming, and each moment seemed like an eternity amidst the tumult of magical energy.
With a final flash, the portal closed behind Harry and Hermione, and the place fell silent once more. The mystery and suspense that had filled the air dissipated, leaving behind a dark but peaceful corner.
Lupin turned his face towards them just as the portal closed and watched them with regret that he could not properly say goodbye to them.
Harry and Hermione crossed the threshold of the portal, feeling the magic envelop them and carry them through the dark mirror.
The world around them faded in a whirlwind of magical energy as the portal closed.
The dark Hermione roared in fury and despair, finding herself still defeated and kneeling on the ground, unable to cross the magical barrier imposed by Lupin.
"I hate you!" Hermione exclaimed to Remus with tear-filled eyes and a broken voice.
Pain was reflected in Lupin's eyes like a shadow that obscured his serene gaze. Hermione's words, full of hatred and contempt, were like a direct blow to the werewolf's heart. Sadness manifested itself in his features, causing the usual calm of his face to transform into an expression of deep regret.
Lupin's chest tightened with the intensity of his emotional pain. His usually warm eyes showed a mixture of disbelief and distress as he heard Hermione express such a hurtful feeling.
It was as if an invisible dagger had pierced Lupin's soul, reminding him that, even in the magical world, relationships could become fragile and painful.
Lupin's empathy for Hermione mixed with his own suffering as he realized that he had somehow let down someone he considered a friend.
Her words resonated within him, generating a dull pain that spread from his chest to the depths of his being.
Despite the facade of serenity that Remus tried to maintain, he couldn't prevent a shadow of sadness from crossing his face. The bonds they once shared seemed to strain and tear with words filled with resentment. Disappointment, both in himself and in the situation, manifested itself as an emotional wound that he could not ignore.
In that moment, Remus realized that the Hermione he knew and loved would never return.
Lupin's pain was not only from the darkness that consumed Hermione, but from the loss of a connection that had been significant in his life.
"Hermione, I'm sorry," Remus whispered sadly, searching for the right words to mitigate the pain that flooded the scene.
Dark Hermione was left on the ground, sobbing and shaking, the reality of her loneliness and darkness crushing her. She could no longer stop them or hold Harry back. She had missed the chance to have him for herself, and the sadness and pain enveloped her like a cloak.
The night became silent around her, the cold of the dark dimension surrounded her, and only the echo of her sobs filled the air. With the portal gone, dark Hermione found herself alone in her grief, with no choice but to face the consequences of her choices and the loss of what she could never have.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, inside the portal, the whirlwind began to calm, and the flashes of color and shadows faded. The two emerged from the chaos and found themselves in a place that seemed to be a distorted version of their own world. The mirror behind them closed with a resounding sound, leaving them alone in this new dimension.
The atmosphere was filled with a strange stillness, and Harry and Hermione exchanged a look of surprise and caution.
Inside the portal, reality twisted and undulated as if it were composed of water. The colors and shapes seemed to merge in a hypnotic ballet of light and shadow. Harry and Hermione clung tightly to each other, feeling their bodies being dragged through the chaos of dimensions.
The noise was deafening, a mix of unintelligible whispers and distorted howls. The air vibrated with an unknown energy that seemed to penetrate the depths of his being. As they moved through the portal, images and sensations occurred in a maelstrom of confusion.
Suddenly, the whirlwind began to slow down, and the colors and shapes gradually stabilized. Harry and Hermione found themselves floating in some sort of in-between space, surrounded by a glow. Although the sense of chaos had diminished, they were still in an unknown dimension, suspended in a limbo between worlds.
They looked around, trying to decipher their surroundings. In the distance, they could see glimpses of distorted landscapes, like fragments of different overlapping realities. The place was permeated with an unreal and enigmatic atmosphere, as if they were trapped in a lucid dream.
As they explored this strange space, they realized that it was not easy to move around. Each step seemed to require additional effort, as if they were fighting against an invisible resistance. Anguish gripped Hermione as she struggled to keep her balance and move through the strange dimension.
Within the chaos of dimensions, or whatever they were involved in, they both had a surreal and dizzying vision. They were seeing flashes of moments from the past, scenes from the present, and glimpses of possible futures. The images passed in front of their eyes at dizzying speed, as if they were navigating a tumultuous river of memories and possibilities.
In the midst of that cascade of visions, something caught their attention. A crystalline image began to form in front of them, showing a scene that took their breath away. There, in a fragment of space-time, they saw their children, James and Lilly.
Harry and Hermione's hearts skipped a beat as they saw their beloved children, whom they had lost in the maelstrom of the time turner.
Harry and Hermione, hearts pounding, shared a look filled with emotion as they saw their children. A burning parental instinct made them want to run to them, hug them, make sure they were okay, and bring them back to them.
With hope shining in his eyes, Harry reached out his hand towards the scene, as if he could touch James and Lilly. Hermione followed Harry's example, trying to approach her children with frantic gestures.
However, as they approached, an invisible resistance stopped them in their tracks. Their movements became clumsy and desperate as they struggled against the magical barrier that separated them from their children. Harry gritted his teeth, his hand still suspended in the air, while Hermione grasped at the air helplessly.
Frustration and anguish were reflected on their faces when they realized that physical connection with their children was out of reach.
They tried to approach it from different angles, experimenting with desperate gestures, but the portal's resistance persisted like an insurmountable force.
Harry and Hermione's eyes met in a moment of shared sadness. Despite their burning desire to be reunited with their children, the portal acted as a cruel reminder that some magical barriers could not be so easily bypassed.
Her attempts to reach James and Lilly were in vain, and the image of her children began to blur and fade, like an ephemeral promise that slipped through her fingers.
Hermione fought back tears, feeling a mixture of hope and despair. She wanted to be with her children, protect them and bring them back, but the portal did not allow it, and fate seemed to be playing with their emotions.
Harry put a comforting arm around her, sharing their pain and longing. They had to find a way to get out of there and get their children back.
Another image materialized in front of them. The siblings were talking in low voices, exchanging words with serious and concentrated expressions. It looked like they were planning something with a mix of anxiety and determination on their faces.
Harry stepped forward again and extended his hand towards James and Lilly, but once again, it was as if there was an invisible barrier between them, but this time an inexplicable force, a swirling wind, charged with energy and mystery, enveloped them and abruptly separated them. from the image of James and Lilly. Despite their efforts to move forward, the same force that had brought them to this place now seemed to push them back.
Harry and Hermione felt a wave of anguish as they realized that there was no way to reach their children, that something was keeping them out of their reach.
They looked with despair and longing at James and Lilly, who continued their conversation oblivious to their presence. The sibling's gazes did not meet those of their parents, as if they were separated by an invisible veil.
The portal flickered and flickered around them, as if playing with their hopes and desires.
The feeling of vertigo and disorientation intensified as the portal continued to envelop them in its whirlwind. Harry and Hermione clung tightly to each other, trying to remain stable in the midst of so much chaos and confusion.
Images and flashes of different dimensions flashed past their eyes, as if they were being dragged through the very fabric of time and space.
Suddenly, as if the portal had served its purpose, they felt a powerful pull that threw them forward. The air seemed to vibrate around them and a burst of energy pushed them hard.
With difficulty they managed to glimpse a bright and distorted image that seemed to be their own dimension. The portal swung open, as if it had flung them back home with relentless energy.
The wind whipped their bodies and the world seemed to spin around them as they were violently thrown into their own dimension. Light and color blurred in a dazzling rush, and for a moment, everything seemed to stop in emptiness.
With a sudden and overwhelming impact, Harry and Hermione were thrown hard onto solid ground. Their bodies crashed to the ground, and the sharp impact resonated through their bodies. The light faded as the wind whipped around them.
The living room was softly lit with the afternoon sun filtering through the curtains, but the scene was chaotic, with clutter, objects scattered on the floor, and clear signs that someone had entered intrusively. The pictures on the walls hung askew, and books and papers lay in disarray all over the room. There was a trace of magic in the air, hinting that something beyond the physical had happened there.
Harry and Hermione were lying in disordered positions on the living room floor. Hermione was closer to the fireplace, her hair dishevelled. Harry, a little further away, stood with one arm outstretched as if he had tried to catch himself before falling.
Several seconds passed, which felt like an eternity before Harry and Hermione began to regain consciousness. Their bodies were still adjusting to the dimensional shift, and during those long seconds of unconsciousness, their minds sank into an intermediate state between dimensions. When they woke up, reality returned with force, and they felt the cold of the ground beneath them.
Upon regaining consciousness, they experienced a moment of disorientation. Their minds struggled to assimilate reality, and their bodies lay limp on the floor of their living room. Little by little, as if emerging from a deep sleep, they began to feel the reality around them.
Harry blinked several times, trying to clear his mind, and his gaze found the familiar ceiling of his home.
He sat up slightly, feeling the heaviness in each limb. Concern showed in his eyes when he noticed that Hermione was not at his side.
"Hermione!" he exclaimed; his voice heavy with concern. He began to call, his tone reflecting his anxiety at not finding her right away.
On the other hand, Hermione was also regaining consciousness. Her heart skipped a beat when she didn't see Harry by her side. Desperation washed over her, and her trembling voice echoed through the room.
"Harry!" she exclaimed, calling urgently to him, while her hands groped on the floor in search of some comforting sign. Harry's absence filled her with anguish.
Relief was reflected in Harry's eyes when he found her a few meters away from him.
"Hermione! Are you ok?" he asked, his voice filled with concern, as he crawled towards her.
Hermione, also recovering, turned her head towards Harry's voice and gave him a relieved smile with tears in her eyes.
"Yes, I'm fine. You?"
"Better now that I see you safe," Harry responded, relieved, as he approached.
Harry, carefully and relieved to see that Hermione was okay, extended a hand to her. Hermione, accepting his help, stood up somewhat awkwardly, both still feeling the effects of the sudden move.
Once on their feet, they shared a look of relief before Hermione, driven by the need and worry that still overwhelmed her, threw herself into Harry's arms in a tight hug. Their bodies melted together, seeking mutual comfort after the disconcerting experience.
Breaking away from the hug, Harry gently took Hermione's face in his hands and, with a gesture full of affection and relief, gave her a quick kiss.
The feeling of dizziness and confusion persisted as the adrenaline continued to course through their veins as they gradually regained control over their bodies. Although they were back in their own dimension, the echo of what they had experienced resonated in their minds. They took a few moments to catch their breath and process everything they had experienced on that brief but intense trip.
As they recovered, Hermione felt something begin to take shape in her mind. The words of the riddle echoed in her head again and again, and suddenly, like a ray of light in the darkness, she understood their meaning.
Her eyes widened as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place perfectly. It was as if she had finally found the key to unravelling the mystery surrounding her children, James and Lilly.
"Harry, I understand!"
As Hermione excitedly shared her discovery, her eyes sparkled with excitement and her words flowed with confidence. However, as she spoke, the weight of reality began to settle on her heart. The truth forced its way, cold and defiant, through her mind.
She had solved the riddle and had deciphered the key to bringing back their children, but her spirits dissipated when she understood that the solution was out of reach.
The hope that had shone in Hermione's eyes slowly faded, replaced by a mix of frustration and discouragement. Her words trailed off, and her lips tightened as a feeling of helplessness enveloped her.
Harry noticed the change in her expression and gently squeezed Hermione's hand.
Hermione looked at Harry with misty eyes, and at that moment, they knew that the time turner couldn't be the solution. No matter how much they wanted to travel back in time and help their children, they realized they couldn't do it.
The revelation ensured that only James and Lilly could solve the mystery that kept them trapped.
The words of the riddle, which had sounded so hopeful before, now resonated with bitter irony.
"In the year 2006, Hermione, a shadow has been unleashed,
A dark and deep enigma that cannot be ignored.
Your children, James and Lilly, trapped in a murky past,
Where secrets and dangers hide their path to the future.
In 2006, a mystery like no other,
Your children, James and Lilly, are trapped in time on this threshold.
The time turner has taken them to an unknown destination,
Only they can reveal the enigma and recover what was lost.
The past and the present intertwine on their path,
The time turner will free them when they fulfill their sincere duty.
The time turner, their weapon and prison on this strange journey,
It is the key that will free them, but the mystery is its deception.
Find the answer, Hermione, in the whispers of the past.
The time turner would be their ally and their prison, a paradox that only their children could unravel. Hermione closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of time and helplessness inside her. When she opened them again, her gaze met Harry's, and the two shared a deep, silent understanding.
There were no easy answers or magic solutions to this.
A few seconds later they began to notice the chaotic disorder in the living room of their home. Books were scattered on the floor, furniture displaced, and a general feeling of intrusion hit them squarely.
Their gazes met, a mixture of shock and concern reflected on their faces, as they absorbed the scene around them.
Suddenly, their youngest daughter's name echoed in their minds, and their faces transformed into expressions of simultaneous panic.
"Rose!" they exclaimed in unison, fear taking over them as they remembered that their little daughter had been left alone during their involuntary trip.
Harry and Hermione looked at each other with urgency in their eyes. Anguish tightened in their chests as fear for Rose's safety intensified.
"I'll look upstairs," Harry proposed quickly, his voice thick with anxiety.
"I'll look downstairs," Hermione nodded, fear palpable in her gestures.
Fear drove their bodies to move in frantic synchrony. Without further delay, they both ran desperately through the house, calling their daughter's name, their anguish palpable in every step.
Harry and Hermione met at the bottom of the stairs, their gazes searching each other for some hint of relief. However, there was no sign of Rose, and fear took hold.
"Rose!" Harry shouted, his voice echoing desperately through the house.
Hermione looked around, searching every corner and calling out to her daughter in a trembling voice. The silence of the house resonated with his anguish, and time seemed to stretch endlessly as the uncertainty grew.
"Where are you, Rose?" Hermione murmured, her heart pounding in her chest.
The fear of losing her daughter was strongly combined with concern for her safety. The oppressive silence of the house only increased the despair that enveloped their hearts.
"Rose is missing and it's all our fault!" Hermione cried between sobs, her voice shaking with anguish.
"Hermione, you can't blame us. It was an accident, we couldn't foresee what would happen" Harry, equally affected, tried to calm her down.
But Hermione, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, could not contain her pain and frustration.
"If that damned relic was useful, none of this would be happening!"
"Hermione, you needed it to solve the problems with your research".
"Yes, and now our daughter is lost because of our stupidity!"
"You can't blame us for this. It wasn't in our hands," Harry said, his jaw tense, trying to stay calm.
"But it was, Harry! You do not understand? The time turner is mine!" Hermione added with bitterness and tears in her eyes "First we lost James and Lilly, and now Rose! What else can happen to them because of our decisions?"
"We didn't know this would happen, Hermione! You can't blame us for an accident! We must work together to find Rose" Harry raised his voice, feeling the burden of guilt.
Tears fell down both their faces, mixing with the intense emotions that filled the room. Desperation and guilt created a storm in their hearts, and the argument reflected the deep fear of losing their daughter.
Both of them had raised their voices at each other, their emotions overflowing in a mixture of pain and frustration. In a moment of silence, Harry stared at Hermione, their eyes connecting in wordless understanding. Her tears flowed freely, and Harry, feeling the need to comfort her, slowly approached her without saying a word, and hugged her tightly.
Hermione, sobbing, clung to him as her only anchor in the middle of the emotional storm. The silence returned, but this time in a hug that spoke of understanding and support.
She held him in her arms, and clung to him for comfort. The intensity of the discussion slowly dissolved.
After a few minutes that seemed eternal, they separated enough to meet each other's gaze, still not letting go. Their eyes met in silence.
"I'm sorry, Harry. I shouldn't have blamed you. I know it's not your fault".
"We are both scared. There is no blame here," Harry said, his voice soft.
Hermione held Harry's gaze, expressing more with her eyes than with any words. She nodded, affirming her trust in him.
"I trust that we will find her. We'll do our best, Hermione".
"And I trust you, Harry. If there is anyone who can do it, it is you".
Hermione sought Harry's lips in a kiss full of love and desperation. Harry reciprocated, seeking comfort and unity in the contact of their lips.
"I love you, Harry," Hermione whispered, tears still streaming down her face.
Harry nodded, expressing with gestures what words could not convey. He gave a slight smile to Hermione.
"I love you too," Harry replied, sealing his words with a soft kiss on Hermione's forehead.
They found a lost scroll on a table among the messes in their home. Upon opening it, they discovered that the ministry had carried out an investigation to locate them, and the scroll contained the details of their search.
Their eyes focused on the line that mentioned Rose. A familiar name of an Auror stood out, indicating that Ron and Luna Weasley had taken her with them when they found her alone at home.
Surprise and relief appeared on Harry and Hermione's faces as they realized that not only was their daughter safe, but that someone from the Ministry was also monitoring the situation.
Hermione felt her desperation take over as she read the note, her maternal instinct urging her to run to Ron and Luna's house and hug Rose. However, Harry, with the serenity that characterized him in the most difficult moments, gently took her hands and stopped her.
"Hermione, I know you want to be with Rose right now, so do I, but she's safe with Ron and Luna. We need to understand more about what is happening with James and Lilly".
Harry tenderly kissed Hermione's knuckles, seeking to calm her, as he continued. A show of consolation in the face of the anxiety that enveloped them. As she did so, the light filtered through the window, delicately illuminating the golden wedding rings that adorned their hands.
The rings, symbols of their union, sparkled like a beacon of hope in the gloom of their situation.
"Even if we can't bring them ourselves, maybe we can investigate further and find a way to make James and Lilly's return faster. But first, we must understand it".
Hermione looked at him with eyes full of anguish, but the warmth of Harry's hands and his calm voice helped her contain her anxiety momentarily.
Harry wrapped his arms around Hermione's waist, feeling the fragility and strength emanating from her at the same time. He tenderly kissed Hermione's forehead; a gesture intended to convey security in the midst of uncertainty. Hermione, with her face resting on Harry's chest, allowed herself to find refuge in the comforting embrace.
After a few minutes of silence, Hermione raised her face, a trail of tears marking her skin. Harry held her chin gently, stroking her jawline with his fingertips.
"I love you," Harry said, and his eyes reflected the same vulnerability as Hermione. Silent tears escaped his eyes, showing the depth of his emotions "And we will be in this together. I'm not going to leave you alone" His words carried a promise that resonated in Hermione's heart.
Harry's warm breath caressed her face, and Hermione closed her eyes, feeling the delicate touch of Harry's lips in a soft kiss. It was a silent pact between them, a promise of mutual support amid the storm that was raging around them.
Notes:
Thanks to bluebell_uk of the HMS Harmony group in english for helping me correct this version.
/users/bluebell_uk