Empty souls

Chapter 13.- Parallel roads.


The setting sun was on the horizon, giving it’s first beams of light to Hogwarts when MacGonagall, Tonks and Remus walked to the hospital wing.

When they entered, found the boys still asleep while Hermione was fully awake and seated on the bed. Madame Pomfrey was ginving her a flask to drink and Hestia Jones was on a bed sleeping.

Hermione drank the vial and made a face of disgust that rose little smiles in the faces of the new comers. Once the pregnant girl noticed that McGonagall was approaching to her, looked at her former professor aprehensively and turned her face in shame. The headmisstress just sighed.

“¿How are you feeling, Hermione?”

“Better, Professor, thank you.” Whispered Hermione still avoiding her gaze.

“I’m glad to see you again, too bad that is in this circumstances.”

“Sorry” whispered more quietly this time.

“Don’t, child. There’s nothing to feel sorry for, but...” McGonagall stopped. Turned to see the nurse and spoke again. “Poppy, please. Go to my office... Dumbledore’s portrait is waiting for you to talk. There’s a problem he wants to solve.”

Madame Pomfrey sighed, but nodded and left the wing. Remus conjured a chair for Tonks while McGonagall seated in the chair where Hestia Jones was awhile ago.

“Hermione” said McGonagall. The girl was looking intently the mattress that was covering her legs, and the Headmisstress frowned. “Look at me.” Hesitantly, Hermione obeyed at the command to see the sad smile on McGonagall’s face. “Remus told me about the time turner_”

“I’m sorry, professor, don’t be mad at me, please, I-I_”

“It’s ok, child.” Interrupted McGonagall the frantic girl. “Dumbledore told me about it... and Tonks related to us what you did. Sometimes I think that Mr.Potter’s influence corrupted you... his hero complex got to you.” Again, Hermione avoided her gaze. “Don’t be ashamed, Hermione. You did what you think was the best. Though, the out come could have been worse if it weren’t for the Order. This battle would happened one way or another. And whatever happens about Lucius’ death, we’ll deal with it. I personally am going to interced, and I’m sure all the staff too, to your defence.”

“You don’t have to.” Said Hermione. Her voice quivering a bit. “I killed Lucius... and I’ll take the responsability for it.” Her brown eyes lifted to see the blue ones of her former professor. “I’ll do whatever they want me to. I do not regret any of it. I would do it again for the sake of my friends if I ought to. Don’t get in trouble just to my account.”

“Hermione” called Remus “¿Are you kidding?”

“We’re not going to leave you alone, no matter what.” interceded Tonks “Now, stop your self pity to go down that road. Harry’ll need you, and I don’t think that keeping that position of martyr would help. Leave to Moaning Myrtle that job because doesn’t suit you.” With a little smile, took Hermione’s hands with her own.

“¿What do you mean ‘Harry’ll need me’? He’s not in trouble... and he has the Weasley family, specially Ginny.” This last name left her mouth dry and once again avoided the faces before her. Tonks squeezed her hand a bit, which brought her attention to them and she could see the trepidation on their features.

“That’s the problem, Hermione” pointed out Remus.

“I don’t think I get it.”

“Ginevra.” Said McGonagall and Hermione furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. The Headmisstress’ eyes were clouded by something that Hermione couldn’t describe. “¿Do you know what she was doing in St.Mungos’?”

This last question was like a stab in her heart when she remembered what Kate had told her; ‘We came here to know if Ginny is pregnant’. This replayed in her head and Hermione closed her eyes.

“Yes.” She whispered “Because Ginny’s pregnancy.” She couldn’t help to say this last bitterly, something that didn’t pass unnoticed by the auror and the werewolf. McGonagall noticed too, but she composed faster her demeanor.

“Well, she was there because she didn’t know it. The examination never ended so they weren’t sure... until last night, when Mrs. Weasley got worse.” Visibly concerned, Hermione turned to see McGonagall eyes.

“¿Worse? ¿Is she ok?” now Hermione was alarmed “the baby, ¿Will it be fine? Lucius didn’t hurt her, did he? ¡God! Poor Harry...”

“¡Wait, wait, wait!” exclaimed Remus to stop her ranting “She’s not pregnant.”

“¡¿What?!”

“Ginny is not pregnant, Hermione.” Replied McGonagall sternely “Unfortunately, she’s in a bad state.” They related all that Nigellus’ portrait said before and through the chat, Hermione felt miserably sad. When they finally said everything they knew, the pregnant girl was sobbing silently.

“She’s dying... no... it can’t... be” her sobbings was leaving her breathless “No, please. Don’t let it happen.”

“Calm down, Hermione.” Reprimanded Tonks now worried. “Please, it’ll do no good to you and your baby’s health.” At this, Hermione tried to stop her frantics and shallow breath, turning them deep and slowly, until she finally breathed normal.

“That’s why Pomfrey is now in my office” explained the Headmisstress “They’re trying to figure out a cure. Not only her. Right now, Angelina’s uncle is in St.Mungos’ looking for something or someone to help.”

“¿Harry knows?”

“Not yet” answered Remus sadly, looking at the curtains “but he will.”

“Hermione” spoke McGonagall again “¿Do you know what htis means?” the girl just shook her head “This means that play with the time not always gave us the results we are looking for... you were about to get killed because you took Ginny’s place... she was supposed to die, you intervened in thet fate... when our time comes, there’s nothing to do, not even traveling in time, to prevent it.”

Pain. It was the only emotion that was feeling at the moment. What McGonagall said made total sense. The headmisstress didn’t say it as a reproach, but more like a matter of fact, that Hermione didn’t see before... and could have cost her and her baby’s lives.

“You should have read... what I read” said Hermione with tight fists. “She ... she was killed. They raped her and... tortured her and... mutilated her, and... I just... I knew what to do... even if I died instead. I took the risk”

“You could have told us.” Scolded her Remus, standing from his spot on the edge of the bed.

“No, Remus” intervened McGonagall “You’re not supposed to be seen once you get back in time. The space-time is already affected. If you contact any other being while doing it, you risk the course of the world dramatically. Did you ever heard what muggles called as ‘butterfly effect’?” when Remus and Tonks shook their heads, McGonagall explained: “It says; ‘something as small as the flutter of a butterfly’s wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world’. A simple false step, it’s replayed a hundred times when it’s course catches with us. A paradox. That’s why Hermione desillusionated herself. Of course, in the end, we did see her. To prevent anymore damage she’ll need to get back where she came from.”

“¿What?” exclaimed Tonks and Remus at once.

“Her other ‘me’ is there still I suppose” McGonagall asked looking Hermione’s face who nodded. “¿What time was it when you get here?”

“10:24 am.”

“Now it’s...” Headmisstress checked her wrist-watch “7:16 am. We just have few hours left. London’s time is 8:16 so we have two hours to get to your current place, Hermione. Remus” the werewolf looked McGonagall “please, go with her. Tonks will need to get into her roll as an auror. I’m sure tht Kingsley is handling the situation as better as he can, but he need help. I’ll go back to my office, there’s still to much to do.”

Hermione was about to protest but two things happened at the same time; Pomfrey was entering into the wing crying, and Harry was stirring and calling out for Neville. Remus and the crying nurse ran inside the curtines. McGonagall stood up and walked in to see the boys. Hermione attempted to get up but Tonks didn’t let her and put a finger over her own lips as a signal for Hermione to remain silent.

+ + + + + + + + + +

As soon as Remus got through the curtains and closed after McGnagall, the werewolf placed a silencing charm around them.

“Remus.” Croaked Harry. Even without his lensses, he could diserned the silouet of the last marauder.

“You’re awake befoer I predicted, Mr.Potter” adressed the nurse with swollen eyes while weavering her wand over Harry’s body.

“¿Are we in Hogwarts?”

“¿Where else?” retored Remus. “Now, shut up.”

“But_” Harry was interrupted by a silencing charm casted by McGonagall.

“Mr.Potter, ¿When are you going to follow an order?” asked the headmisstress. All went quiet until Pomfrey finished her inspection.

“The broken bone is almost mended... the rest of his injuries are already fixed, but he’s weak. Here” Pomfrey reached the flask on the bedside table and extended it to Harry, who was helped by Remus to sit and drank the liquid. Once it was done, Harry was about to throw it up, instead he began to cough.

“It’s a natural reaction.” Said Pomfrey and turned to check Neville’s body that was asleep on the next bed. As she finished just said “I’ll leave you now, but be back in an hour.” With this she got out from the curtains and McGonagall spoke.

“Well, Mr.Potter, I’m going to lift the charm off you, but first you need to promise me not alrm, or yell or argue. You’re going to wait for us to say what we have to say because we’re in a hurry. ¿Do you understand?” Harry was unmoving, breathing shallow as though he was mulling about what McGonagall said. To him, sounded like the battle wasn’t over and the incesant worry for his friends was squeezing his heart. In the end, he nodded in acceptance. The headmisstress, not satisfied at all, because she knew better, lifted the charm. Obviously, Harry disobeyed.

“¿What happened? ¡Did you find Hermione? ¿Is she ok?”

“Harry.” Adressed Remus.

“Sorry.”

“Well... first, yes, we found her, she’s... ok. Now... we won the battle, though the ministry knows. The Weasleys are ok, a bit hurted but alive. We lost people from both sides, justfew of death-eaters escaped but we’ll find them. Right now I need you to hear me out.” This last sentence was because Harry was going to speak again “... then, I will answer to what I can, is that clear? Harry grimaced but nodded. “Fine. Last night, Ginny’s conditions got worst” Harry opened his eyes in horror. “She’s not pregnant, Harry. Unfortunately that would be the better of the news, because... because...”

“¡¿What?!” exclaimed Harry desperated.

“She’s dying, Harry.” For the second time in less than an hour, Remus and McGonagall explained the situation about Ginny’s condition and almost hundred percent that she’s going to die. Harry suddenly forgot Hermione because instead of her, the thought of Ginny’s state left him worried, it was so that the blood in his head felt like it rushed out of his system. Harry felt weaker than ever and his eyes registered a rush of tears fighting for release. “Already, people are trying to find a cure, Harry, but no one had heard about such a curse to be cured. As soon as you recover, you’re going to go directly to Black Manor.”

“Yes, yes... I will. In fact, I’m going home right now.”

“You can’t yet.” Intervened McGonagall. “Poppy needs to give her permission for you to be released from the hospital wing. You’ll remain here until then. I’ll go now. There’s a ruckus everywhere, co much troubles. Well, I’ll see you later, Potter.”

With this, McGonagall left, closing the curtains to give them privacy. Harry saw her go and Remus could tell that he was tormented-looking.

> > > > > > > > > > > >

Tonks and Hermione watched McGonagall leave the wing. They were now eating what a house elf had brought them. The pregnant girl was eating like she didn’t in all her life. It wasn’t a surprise, between the travel in time, the fight, the kidnap and again a fight, Hermione was starving. Her last meal was almost tewnty-eight hours ago. Pomfrey was amazed that a girl in that state could bear the lack of food for that long.

“He knows I’m here?”

Tonks was finishing chewing her toast and looked at Hermione’s face when she asked. Obviously she looked aprehensive glancing the curtains.

“I don’t think so.” Hermione turned to see Tonks quizzcaly “You see. We all agreed to not mention your where abouts, nor your condition yet. First, you need to go to your place as soon as we finish the breakfast. Then, we’ll wait for instructions. Once the troubles are figured and in the process of resolution, you’ll be back with us.”

Hermione mulled about this. She wanted to go see Ginny... she’s her friend after all, but that means that she’ll has to face Harry and the rest. Something that she surely didn’t like. ‘¿Why all of this happened? Thought Hermione chewing roast beef with salad. ‘It’s almost like a joke... I’ve been thinking to live a life alone... I already made up my mind to it and now... face the consequence of my actions... or lack there of, is more tha I can handle.’

“I know what you’re thinking” Hermione’s train of thoughts was interrupted by Tonks concerned voice.

“¿How would you know what I’m thinking?”

“Because I know you... you want to escape, don’t you? But you know that’s unavoidable. Please, don’t. Don’t go away. We love you... and we’ll support you.” Hermione lowered her gaze in shame.

“You’re thinking that I’m selfish, aren’t you?”

“No. I think that you’re afraid... and that is natural instict... you’re trying to protect yourself and your baby. Don’t let what Hestia Jones said get the better of you. You’re a brave girl... but you’re not alone. And I’m sure you want to see Ginny.” Hermione nodded. The rest of their breakfast passed in silence and the tray of food desappeared in front of her eyes. As though that was a signal, Madame Pomfreywent out of her office and approached the girls. Wordlessly, the nurse checked Hermione’s body and when she finished her examination, addresed the girl.

“You can dress now, Hermione. I give you my permission.”

“¿How are they, Pomfrey?”

“¡Oh! The baby is just fine. Both are recovering quite well, thanks to the infusions and potions I gave her, but...” the nurse glared Hermione defiantly “you, girl, need more rest and good meals... you need to be acompanied by someone who can inspect you’re progress and help you. Maybe you and your baby are in the way of recovering of all that you already passed, but there could be side effects.”

“¿Like what?” asked a fretted Hermione.

“Like fainting... everywhere. You need to be watched out because if you’re in the bathroom or on a set of stairs and fainted... well, it could be desastrous.”

“Don’t worry, Pomfrey.” Replied Tonks making a gesture like an officer would do to her commander. “She’ll be.”

“Good” said the nurse, self satisfied “Now, do it. Headmisstress is waiting for you.” The nurse then, turned around and was about to check the boys when she stopped and turning her head a bit, said: “and congratulations, Hermione. I’ll see you in two weeks.”

+ + + + + + + + + + +

Harry was mortified, to say the least. Remus related him about the battle in Malfoy Manor and the apparition of the ministry forces, including Scrimgeour’s presence. The marauder did not say how they found Hermione, nor her pregnancy or the horrible fact that she was about to be raped by non other that Lucius Malfoy... or how he died in the hands of Hermione. Remus tried to extend the explanation of the current events, wishing that Harry don’t mention his female best friend until someone came. Fortunately of his peace of mind, Pomfrey went in and checked both boys on the beds, giving them full explanation of their conditions. Few minutes later, Hestia came into view and Remus sneaked out silently. When Harry asked him where he was going, Remus said that he needed to see McGonagall and rapidly left, founding Tonks and Hermione ready to leave the ward and, giving a furtive glance to the closed curtains, Hermione mutely said “I love you’ and left with her scort. Remus and Tonks noticed this and looking to one another, smiled sadly.

After that, everything became a blur to Hermione. For her pregnancy it was more healty leave Hogwarts walking and taking a portkey to the place she appareated to use the time-turner. Apparition and the floo were out of the question. So Remus, Tonks and Hermione took outside of Hogmeade the portkey and activated once they were out of sight. Minutes later they arrived to where Hermione came and both adults waited for the other ‘Hermione’ and fifteen minutes later, she appeared out of thin air, checked her wrist-watch, and was walking away to found the exact hour. But before she could go even further, the future Hermione vanished like it was a hologram. Remus and Tonks looked at Hermione worriedly, but she pacified them telling them that it was normal; the past had been changed and everything was taking it’s right place. After that, just few words were said. The three made a new portkey with Hermione’s help to located them right in her Lyon’s flat. Once Tonks had record of the place, hugged Hermione, kissed Remus and appareated back to the ministry, where everyone more likely were.

Remus survied the place, atonished at the piles and piles of books, both muggle and Magical, that decorated the stands and tables.

Remus noticed sadly that she was completly alone. Crookshanks died in the attack of her house, incinerated. The flat, while wasn’t so big, felt like it, more because it was only for her. He noticed too that there wasn’t items for a baby, which alarmed him and he just had to ask.

“¿Why don’t you have a crib, or blankets... or baby clothes?”

This question startled Hermione, who looked at Remus as if she herself didn’t know... which was true, until now. She had been trying to understand her current state and situation. The fact that she had been thinking to kill herself if the need was great was present almost all the time. Of course she wasn’t about to reveal it to Remus, but the marauder couldn’t be fooled. As though he was reading her mind, he opened his eyes in fear.

“I don’t know.”

“You weren’t thinking on... suicide... were you?”

Hermione avoided his gaze... it was like he looked at her, reproaching that kind of thoughts.

“No... not really” replied not quite convinced of her own actions “I mean... I didn’t think that maybe would do it. I didn’t purchased items for the baby because... well, not all pregnancies run the way it should be. I could have lost the baby and bring things for he or she would just depress me if it’s the case.”

“¿Did you see a healer or a doctor?”

“No.”

Remus sighed and frowned. Suddenly he was hit with the thought of her slashing her wrists or jumping from a high build or crossing a street... Then, a pain hit him even more hard...

“¿Were you going to use your wand? I mean, ¿To use the killing curse?”

“Wow ,wow, wow. Stop there, Remus.” Reprimanded Hermione. “I don’t know why you’re so eager to know things that I didn’t even think to do. I just know one thing; I’m stronger... and I’ll do whatever I need to. If you wanted to give me a lecture I’ll just say that it wouldn’t work... not with me.” Remus stared at her. When their eyes connected, he could diserned all the feelings that shadowed Hermione’s eyes: fear, regret, love, sadness, lonliness, helpless and the most prominent, anger. Remus, defeated, changed the subject.

“You know, with all th bad things that had been happening, I’m sure this is the best gift one could have.

“¿What?” her voice and eyes softened.

“A baby” smiled Remus, and Hermione smiled too. She placed her hands lightly over her almost imperceptible belly “Ron would be mad, but proud... I’m sure.”

“Yeah” Hermione sighed sadly. She invited him to sit on the couch in front of the telly “We once talked about have a family. He liked the idea to become a father in a few years... and he missed it.”

“But he will. Even if Ron isn’t here fisically. Molly will be thrilled when she find out that will be a grandmother.” Remus’ words were recived by an opresive silence from Hermione’s part and the marauder looked a lonely tear leaked out from her brown eyes.

“I don’t know, Remus.” Said finally, her voice usteadly and insecure. “Molly will reproach me that I didn’t say anything... or the faxt that I was almost raped and killed... and what about the rest?” her eyes now full of fear. “¿What would Harry think of me? ¡He’s going to get mad! I just ran away like acoward... and he risked his life just for me and... I thought that Ginny would be safe if I_”

“Stop right there” interrupted Remus sternely “Don’t think about what had happened... or what would... we need to solve what we have in this moment, nothing else. Anyway... maybe Harry would get mad... he already is since you left us, but I’m sure once he sees you, he’ll be just fine, like the rest, he knows that you’re with me, and that was enough for him.

“¿Did you tell him?”

“No... just that you’re not alone and lost” Hermione began to cry and sob and Remus hugged her “Cry if you think that it’ll lift your worries a bit. I’m here and everyone will recieved you with open arms... you have my word.”


A/N: I don't know if you like it... anyway, let me tell you, I won't up date until I diggest the seventh book. sorry for my grammar and spelling, I know it sucks.