Everyday felt strangely haunting as if the sense of danger never truly went away. Sometimes he could still hear them... tantalizing whispers, cackling laughter, copious curses... The real nightmare was over but the instinct was still there.
It had been barely a year since Voldemort had been defeated. Though the victory brought great relief throughout the wizarding world, there was still lingering grief amongst those involved with the last stand. So many lives were taken so that Harry could fulfill his destiny. A cause that left him living, [i breathing], regardless of his own sacrifice. How he wished he could trade his life for those others. How he wished he knew what he knew now back then.
Harry dug his hands deeper into his pockets against the chill of the afternoon, shivering slightly. From his seat on the connecting bridge, he could see Hogwarts School’s steady rebuilding efforts coming to fruition. Not so familiar anymore with its new remodeling touches.
He, Ron and Hermione had been called to visit along with a few other students and staff for a small commemorative event. There was to be a ceremony in honor of the trio for their bravery and loyalty to the safety of Hogwarts, recognised with a plaque embedded in the school walls.
While it was nice to be the hero again, Harry couldn’t help to feel self conscious. Reporters squacked about, flashing cameras and penning interviews. They were making a ruckus on the very ground where Voldemort had finally fallen. The spite in him made it seem like the world was moving without him. Even with Ginny’s comfort, he still felt trapped... alone. Hermione would have his head for thinking thoughts like that but he shamelessly wished for more than this.
Voices pulled him out of his thoughts. Two wizards, a man and a woman, were speaking in low and sympathetic tones about the events that transpired in this spot. Consisting of mostly ignorant statements, Harry almost blocked them out until mention of an inquisitive wizard was brought up. A man in France named Gringal had broken the restrictions of time travel. [i “An insane and stupid discovery if you ask me,”] the woman retorted.
[i No bloody way.]
[b "Excuse me, Mr. Potter."]
Harry turned his attention to a camera man and smiled. Once the picture was taken, he quickly stood and crossed the stoned path over to where his best friends were huddled. A tinge of happiness filled his chest at the sight of them. At least they were still here.
[#b5332a "Guys,"] he started, pushing them lightly by the shoulders to get them away from the public ear. [#b5332a "You'd never guess what I just heard. A man from France named Gringal just accomplished time travel. I know it sounds impossible but I think we should check it out."] He felt the excitement grow the longer he thought about it. So what if it was slightly impulsive?