Chasing a Dream

Chapter 14

Explanations and Learning to Skate

Harry blinked. They were back at the Granger residence. Hermione sat on the ground, cross-legged, staring at the floor. Harry knelt down beside her.

"Go ahead and ask, Harry."

Harry didn't know what to say. There was no doubt some confusion as to what had happened. He took Hermione by the arms and led her into the living room, and set her on a couch.

"Go ahead. I don't mind. It might even help me understand better myself."

Harry nodded and shifted uncomfortably.

"Who is Andy?"

"It seems that I was not an only child. Andy was my older brother."

"He was a wizard?"

"Yes."

"What happened... that night?"

Hermione took a deep breath.

"I was sad because I knew Andy was going back to Hogwarts the next day, so I went to my thinking place; the roof. I heard that strange sound and followed it."

"What was that thing?"

"It was a Hessonite. Very evil, dark creatures. Very magical."

"What's the 'institution'?"

"The Hessonian were one of You-Know-Who's strongest supporters. After You-Know-Who was supposedly killed, the Hessonian created a school/prison for young wizards. They stole wizard children that could be easily corrupted to join the dark side and took them there. They brain-washed them, tortured them, and taught them the Dark Arts."

"What happened when you woke up?"

"Andy had transported me back to the house, the driveway, to be exact. I woke up around noon. My parents informed me that Andy was gone, along with the Hessonite. I was heartbroken. We held a funeral. I remember seeing poor Angie there..."

"Who was Angie?"

"Angie was my brother's best friend. That is, up until third year when they became a couple. They went to Hogwarts together, both Gryffindors. No one loved him like Angie did. They were so mature for fourteen year olds. You'd have thought they were twenty. They loved each other. I truly believe they did.

"After the funeral, I remember mom telling me about how Headmaster Dumbledore and the Minister of Magic were going to make me forget everything that happened. I don't know why she told me if I wouldn't remember."

"What happened to Angie?"

"She had pleaded that she not have her memory modified. She said she didn't want to loose my brother as soon as she had truly found him. She was allowed to keep her memories but moved far away. She wasn't permitted to visit. It might have made me remember something. She was like the sister I never had.

"She suffered more than I did. She lived and probably still lives with his memory in the back of her mind. And that song... That song..."

"What song?"

"Andy loved to sing. Always sang this one song to her."

"What song?"

"I don't really remember. All I know is that he would sing this song to her that brought her to tears every time. Andy had a great passion for music. I even came up with a song for him for his birthday once."

Hermione's voice trailed off. She began to hum a little.

"Sandy Andy saves the day, chase all the scary things away. Here to the rescue, just on time. That crazy hero of mine."

Hermione choked. It hurt Harry to see her like this.

"Hermione, we can have your memory modified so that you don't remember him."

"NO! Don't you see? He gave me a very precious gift. He died for me! I can't just forget about that. I refuse to forget again. Oh, Harry! How could I have forgotten?!"

"I'm sure he'd have, too."

"No, Harry, Andy would never forget me..."

_-_-_-_-_-_

It was morning again. Last night's escapade had left Harry even more wiped out than the one before it. Harry got out of bed and marched down to breakfast.

The sight that greeted his eyes was a strange one. Hermione was prancing about the kitchen in an apron. When she saw Harry enter, her eyes lit up like sunshine.

"Morning, Harry!"

"Hermione, wha-?"

"I was thinking last night when we went to bed."

She plopped down in a chair next to Harry, still as bright as a bluebird.

"Andy died so that I could live, Harry. I'm not going to let myself be miserable! He gave me a great gift and I'm going to celebrate my life! I still miss him don't get me wrong! It still hurts very badly, I just don't think that he'd want me to mourn something that happened nine years ago."

Harry smiled and patted her hand.

"I'm glad you're ok, Hermione."

She stood up and walked back to the stove.

"Thank you, Harry."

"You're welcome, Mione."

Hermione stopped moving. She turned to face Harry, her eyes wide and slightly awed.

"What is it?"

"That's the first time you ever called me anything but Hermione."

"Really? I'm sorry, I won't call you it again it you don't-"

"No! I like having a nick-name!"

She turned back to the pancakes, a wistful expression on her face. Harry heard her mumble 'Mione' as she flipped the pancakes.

Sirius and Margaret walked in through the door. Harry snickered at the two of them. Sirius had obviously forgotten to shave in a while and his hair was as unruly as Harry's. Margaret was far worse off than Sirius. She was wearing a sort of jersey top with pajama bottoms. Her auburn hair was pulled up sloppily and strands of hair poked out at odd angles all over her head. One sleeve of her jersey was slipping off her shoulder slightly. It was soon discovered that Margaret was not a morning person.

The four of them ate their breakfast quickly. Harry and Hermione's letters from Hogwarts had arrived during the night (Harry wondered why he seen them) and they were planning on going to Diagon Alley with the Weasleys.

Harry was anxious to see them again, although no power on Earth would make him tell Ron or anyone else about Andy or what happened. It was Hermione's business who she told.

She is so beautiful. Harry thought as he watched her. She's been through so much, yet she still has that same ol' Mione smile. Harry paused. Mione. Hmm, I like the way that sounds. Mione Granger. That's ok. Harry thought with a smile to himself.

But I like Mione Potter much better.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

The sun was blazing down and Harry blinked up into the sun at the giant wizarding bank, Gringotts. It was slightly slanted, as always, and had goblins standing guard at the entrance. Ron poked Harry in the ribs to get his attention. Harry suddenly realized that he was about to get left behind.

Ron and Harry jogged back up to the group, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Fred and George, Ginny, Hermione, Sirius, and Margaret. Margaret was standing in front of Olivanders with an awed look on her face.

"I haven't been here since I was a little girl..."

"Margaret Haskins."

A voice made them all jump as Mr. Olivander stepped out of the shop. Margaret stared at him, stunned that he knew who she was.

"Best get along with your shopping. I expect a big crowd will be arriving around three o'clock. The group nodded and set off to get the school supplies on their lists. Harry felt a sense of comfort in Diagon Alley. It made him feel good to know that they'd be arriving back at the safety of Hogwarts by the next evening. Every store in Diagon Alley was just as it had been before. That is, all except this one shop on the corner. He'd never seen it before.

Magical Artifacts of the Eighteenth Century

Older is Better

The objects on display were very curious and enchanting to the eye. Harry was fascinated by some of the objects sitting just beyond the glass. He would have stayed longer, but Mr. Weasley announced that it was time to go.

-_-_-_-_-

Ron, who had already apologized to Hermione over a million times about the accident and exclaiming that he'd had no idea she couldn't swim, was determined to make it up to her. So, he convinced his mom to make the most delicious lunch she could, including all of Hermione's favorite dishes.

It also appeared that Harry was the only one allowed to call her "Mione." Ron heard Harry use the nickname and tried it out, also. The only response he got was a glare from her. This pleased Harry for some strange reason.

That afternoon, Ron was frantically finishing his potions essay when Sirius announced it was time to leave. He and Harry agreed that it was best to spend the rest of the day at the Granger house.

With a pinch of floo powder, they were home again. Hermione stepped out of the fireplace and looked around at the hallway. Harry followed; Sirius went up to his room.

"Good old Chrysoberyl Manor!"

"What?"

"That's the name of this estate!"

"It has a name?!"

"Of course, silly! Come see!"

Hermione took his hand and led him out to the front of the house. She turned to the house and pointed up at the area just above the doorframe. Sure enough, there under the vines were the words: Chrysoberyl Manor, may your foundation never fall.

Hermione turned to Harry.

"Would you like to take a walk with me?"

"Sure, why not?"

So that's what they did. Chrysoberyl Manor had the largest yard of anyone that he knew. Considering, Harry hadn't seen many other people's yards.

There was a long, smooth, sidewalkish path that winded its way around the yards. Hermione and Harry walked for what seemed like hours, just talking, until Hermione said:

"What's it like to fly?"

Harry stopped walking.

"Why?"

"I've always wanted to fly."

"Really?"

"Oh, yes! I would jump off chairs and things with a cape around my throat and flap my arms like wings. It was probably very funny to watch."

"Why haven't you ever flown?"

"I'm afraid, I guess. The closest I've ever gotten to the feeling of flying would have to be... But, no, you'll think I'm stupid."

"I will not! How do you 'fly'."

"I love to skate. I used to skate down this very path, throw out my arms and close my eyes and pretend I'm flying."

"I don't think that's stupid. I don't know how to skate."

"It isn't hard, but really, Harry. What is it like to fly?"

"How about this? You teach me to "fly" your way, and I'll teach you mine."

"Really, Harry!"

"Sure."

"Oh, this will be so wonderful!"

She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight.

_-_-_-_-_

Harry stood outside, roller blades on his feet. He wobbled and seized the railing tightly. Hermione stood in front of him, smiling. Harry, despite his discomfort, smiled back.

She looked beautiful. She was wearing a sleeveless white T-shirt with short shorts. Her hair, highlighted by sunshine, blew gently in the wind. Her chocolate eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"Sorry that I only had an old pair of roller blades, Harry."

"It's all right, Mione."

Now that Harry had permission, he used her new nickname whenever he had the opportunity. It just felt good in his mouth. Hermione put her hands on her hips and tilted her head.

"Watch me and see how it's done."

She winked, and then turned gracefully. She pushed off, going (Harry suspected) much slower than she would have normally, so as not to show off. The path behind Chrysoberyl seemed to have been made just for this activity. There was even a large, round, flat area that her parents must have made for her. She glided to a halt in front of him.

"You're turn."

Harry swallowed. He released his death-grip on the railing on the porch and hobbled toward Hermione. He'd almost gotten to her, but fell down, hard.

"Oh, Harry!"

Hermione dashed to him and bent over a wincing Harry, sprawled out on the pavement. She tried, yet failed, to stifle a giggle.

"Hush, you."

"Sorry, Harry."

She extended her hands to him and pulled him to his feet. When he was steady again, however, she didn't remove them. Smiling slightly, she pulled gently on his hands and he moved forward. Harry stared down at his feet, half to hide his burning face and half to make sure he didn't trip, as he slid on foot in front of the other.

He dared to look up at Hermione. She was smiling brightly, still pulling his hands, not that he objected. Hermione was whispering "one, two, one, two". Soon, Harry started to get the hang of it and they picked up speed. She's skating backwards! Harry realized and quickly shook the image of him trying to do that out of his head.

Hermione shifted so that she and Harry were side by side. She looped her arm with his and they skated down the path silently. Their feet fell into synch with each other and Harry could have sworn he heard their hearts do the same. It was paradise. It was love.

Harry got tired and sat down on a bench after awhile. No matter how much he'd been enjoying skating with her, he'd been afraid that she'd notice how flushed he was, or hear his heart pounding a a thousand beats a minute. She stood in front of him.

"You did very well!"

"Why don't you skate now? I want to see what you can do. Don't hold anything back and don't worry about showing off."

Hermione smiled and sped off down the path. Her hair flailing behind her, she turned sharply and the tricks didn't start until she got to the flat area. She proceeded to do turns, skating around the outside backwards, twirling, jumping, and even this really cool one leg cartwheel-like thing. It was truly amazing. She was concentrating, but smiling at the same time.

Harry knew how much he loved her. He couldn't help it. It's not like one really has a choice in matters like this. Harry watched from a distance and with growing sadness, thought to himself.

What have I done to myself?