Returning Memories

Death Alchemist

Dream

It had been years since the fall of Lord Voldemort.  Peace once again reined in the world of magic.  Though at times, Harry could still hear his voice.  The mocking tones of Voldemort as he faced him in the forbidden forest filled his mind as he slept on his rather uncomfortable hospital bed.  He never liked hospitals, though it seemed he spent most of his life in them.  Every year he had attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry he had visited the hospital wing due to some sort of injury from a battle or a Quidditch match.  

As Harry slept, the memory of the day he defeated Voldemort replayed in his head over and over and over again.  The stress of the situation still felt fresh to him.  At last he awoke from his slumber to find his aged wife, Ginny Weasley, sitting on his bedside looking at him.  The constant beeping of the monitors and life support played in the background.  

“I didn’t want to wake you.”  She said. “You looked like you were in the middle of a pretty vivid dream.”

Harry gently grasped her hand with his own.  “It was just a memory.  I’m actually glad you’re here.”  He replied as he looked into her eyes.   He rubbed his face with his other hand, trying to get rid of his sleepiness.  He could still feel the lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead.  

“It’s not just me.” said Ginny.  Just then, Ron walked into the room followed by Harry’s son Albus.  It appeared that age had touched everyone.  Ron’s hair, which used to be a blazing red hue, now held no color.  His eyes, though wrinkled and worn, still shown with a quiet determination and loyalty that Harry had always admired.  Albus was now in his mid forties.  His face had just started to wrinkle, and his soot black hair was peppered with grey.   They all watched Harry as they came into the room.  

“Oy mate.”  Said Ron.  “How’ve ya been?”

“Great.”  Replied Harry.  “Never felt better.  How are you and Hermione?”

“Oh, we’re fine.  Hermione was feeling a bit under the weather today so she couldn’t come.  She said for you to hurry up and get out of this hospital and come home.”

“I thought she’d say something like that.  She hasn’t changed has she?”

“Nope.  She still treats me like a child sometimes.”  Ron chuckled as he spoke.

Harry chuckled along with his friend.  His laugh quickly became a hoarse cough.  It only lasted for a few seconds, but it was enough to cause concern for everyone in the room.  Harry lifted his hand and said, “I’m fine.”

He turned to Albus.  “How are things with you and you’re wife?”  Harry asked.  

“A little crazy.  Things at Hogwarts have gotten a little hectic.  My classes have seemed to have lost interest in the lessons.”   Replied Albus.

“What do you teach again?  My body isn’t the only thing that’s failing me.”  Said Harry jokingly.

“Potions.”  Albus responded.  

“Ah, that’s right.  Try blowing something up.  I’m sure that will restore more than their interest.”  

“I’ll try that.”  Albus chortled.  “How’s your heart?”  

“I’m fine.  Don’t worry about me.”  Harry tried to dismiss the question but Albus started his father down until something came out.  Just as Harry was about to speak, a nurse garbed in white entered the room.  “Visiting hours are over.”  As quickly as she came, she had left.  

“Guess I’ll be headin’ home then.” Said Ron as he rubbed the back of his head.  

“I need to be going too.  I’ve a lesson I need to prepare for tomorrow.”  Added Albus. They exchanged their good-byes with Harry and quietly stepped out of the room.  

Ginny looked into Harry’s eyes for a moment before leaning over to kiss him on the forehead.   Harry tightened his grip on her hand slightly.  “Don’t leave yet.”  He said.  

“Alright.”  Ginny replied as she pulled up a chair and sat down next to Harry’s bed.

Harry closed his eyes and drifted off again into a deep sleep.  His grip on Ginny’s hand loosened.  He took one long, deep breath and slowly released it.  Ginny felt his hand slowly go limp and cold.  She smiled and stroked Harry’s white, messy hair.  

“See you in a while.” She choked.  Tears began to blur her vision as she looked at her lover as he peacefully in his hospital bed.