My Heart Remembers Differently

A Friend Indeed

To say I was happy to find myself alone in the common room when I got to my new dorm is an understatement.  I managed to slip out amidst the chaos that had broken out at my friends finding out who I was going to share a common room with the rest of the year.  I did find out that Ron was there at Malfoy Manor when Bellatrix engraved her opinion of me on my arm.  I gave up trying to defend Malfoy after Harry wrestled Ginny's wand away from trying to aim a spell across the hall towards the Slytherin table.  Not to mention, Malfoy sat at his table among his friends with his arms folded over his chest like he had no care in the world. 

Ron had grown angry, as usual, and stomped out of the great hall.  Ginny, also, gave me a look of  betrayal that I didn't understand and stalked away.  What did I do?  I met Harry's eyes across the table.

"You and I are going to have to talk, Harry.  I need to know what happened.  You know I can't chance remembering, but you are the only one who can fill in the blanks.  Please?"  I asked him once more. 

"Hermione...."  He sighed.  "Give me some time?"  He pleaded.  I nodded and stood up giving him one last look before I walked out of the Grand Hall to get away from the noise.

"Ron didn't see me." 

I yelped and turned to look at Fred's ghostly figure as he "leaned" against the wall beside of me.  He was frowning down at his shoes.  I am amazed he is no longer looking dirty and bloody.  He is dressed in a smart green alligator suit with his hair styled.

"How did you change your appearance?  Nearly Headless Nick has been sporting the same bloody collar since I first saw him."  I said not wanting to mention the Bloody Baron.

"I have a lot of time on my hands, Hermione.  I spent some time in the forbidden section in the library.  With enough energy I discovered I can move things.  I found a book written by a fifteenth century medium who married her ghostly lover and made a discovery of all things a ghost can do.  Let me say there is a reason that book should be forbidden."  Fred said wiggling his eyebrows. 

"Ew."  I muttered.

"Anyway, there is a section on being stuck in your denial and that is what causes a ghost to always appear as they did when they died.  I have transcended and have embraced my death.  Still not moving towards that sneaky light that appears every now and then like the bleeding Knight bus picking up those who no longer want to stay or new souls that die ready to move on.  So, I decided if I was going to be a ghost, at least I could be a successful looking one.  I make this death thing look good."  Fred said tugging on the lapels of his suit.  I giggled and shook my head.

"I am sorry Ron didn't see you, Fred.  He is angry with me."  I sighed and leaned my head back against the stone wall.

"Ah, he found out about Malfoy?"  Fred asked.  I turned my head to look at him.  "I hear things?"  He shrugged. 

"Really?  That is a little disturbing, Fred."  I tell him.  He grins.  "Do you know anymore about my accident?"  I ask.  He gives me an apologetic look and shakes his head.  I groaned and closed my eyes at the headache that is forming that has nothing to do with my memories or my injuries.  "I guess I will just trip my way through life with this big hole where my memories once were."  I said in a resigned tone.

"Ms. Granger, isn't it?"  I gasp and open my eyes to see the female professor that I thought I knew, but couldn't remember.  She sounded like a Yank. 

"Yes.  Hermione Granger."  I said standing up from where I was leaning against the wall. 

"Hmm."  She is tall for a woman.  Slender, yet powerfully built.  I can see defined muscles under the tight gray T-shirt she is wearing.  I fell like she is judging my appearance with my reputation and perhaps had found me wanting.  "I have heard a great deal about you."  She drawls out.  Yes, definitely a Yank and one from the simmering south, it seems.  I remember seeing a movie a few years ago about a woman referred to as a "southern belle" but this woman doesn't look like she would be caught dead in the wide hooped dress and ribbons the actresses wore, even if she did sound the part.