When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 61: Beautiful Souls Aren't Lies

When All is Lost, One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 61: Beautiful Souls Aren't Lies

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.

AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.

January, 1997

His younger self's words were filled with misery, need, and regret. He could hear the plea in each syllable and knew it would have no effect. Looking back, he even knew at the time that they would do no good.

Lily's reply spat out of her mouth and his stomach twisted. He watched his past self's expression as his heart shattered into pieces. Then an unexpected feeling hit him. Anger. He felt more anger than sadness towards the red head that abandoned his friendship.

Lily disappeared behind the Fat Lady's portrait and with the action, the memory faded. Darkness surrounded him again and he was cast back into the present. Back into reality.

He blinked, and his eyes slowly adjusted to the candlelight in his office. Granger was looking down at her lap, her face hidden by her brown curls. The ticking of a clock and their heavy breathing were the only noises in the room. He decided to let her speak first.

She lifted her head and looked at him. Her eyes were full of fire, her brows furrowed, and her breathing was rough. He'd never seen her so angry.

He'd shown her memories of him talking and plotting with Voldemort. She'd seen him murder people and let others die. Showed her his helplessness in those situations. So, why was this memory constantly coming back to her? Why was she enraged at it? She was getting better at Occlumency, but hadn't been able to stop that memory since last month. And this memory had no relevance when it came to what they needed to do.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry I can't forget that!" She shot from her chair and paced the office.

"Why do..." he trailed off when she turned to him and focused on his face. She was close enough to touch him, but far enough that if someone were to walk in, though an unlikely thing to happen, it wouldn't look improper.

"She...She... I'm sorry, but I don't know how you could just fall for that witch. And still like her after the way she acted." She spat the words as if they were a bitter potion. He should've been angry with her, but instead he felt blank. He hadn't been innocent, but the more he heard Granger give her view on the situation, the more he realized he hadn't been the only one in the wrong.

"I don't see why you care about what she did so much."

His eyes widened when she looked away, her lower lip quivering. She folded her arms and walked back to her pillowed chair, her back turned to him as he waited for a response. She used to just spout out things before she thought better of it, now he knew she was thinking over her words.

"You're my friend." Her voice was soft and foretold that she was on the edge of tears.

"Granger it's—"

"I hate her."

He gave a rough laugh. "You don't have the capability to hate."