sixwordstories | (no subject)

...Nightmares?

Mm I've been having a lot of them lately.

...I know how that feels. Same ones over and over again?

I wish. Each time I close my eyes, I see a different, yet equally horrifying aspect of the War.

You've seen war...? What war?

The Second War in the Magical World.

...Did you lose someone?

A lot of people, actually.

...My condolences. That's awful. ...No wonder you keep having nightmares... perhaps you should see someone about it.

Everyone from my world has enough to think about. Besides, I need to find my parents. They're somewhere in Australia, I believe.

[You said there was a war. A second war. In Magical world. And... your parents are in Australia? What.]

I was thinking more along the lines of professional help. Maybe a therapist...? I don't think you can really... "conquer" war trauma. [It's not even war trauma in his case, and dealing with it by himself... isn't working.]

Are they safe?

[It's complicated. Obviously.]

I might think about it. Maybe I just need to get away for awhile. A proper vacation sounds wonderful.

As safe as I could make them. [i.e. she erased their memories and put them in a country that is so far from England (and Scotland) that it isn't likely Voldemort and his Death Eaters will seek them out.]

That sounds nice. I assume things have calmed down a bit? Please take your time and rest. ...My world is relatively peaceful, so maybe I have no right to say this but... you really shouldn't have had to go through all that. [And you're so young.]

You... sent them there?

You would not believe how many Quixotic last stands have been launched with those words.

[He sipped at his wine]

Determination is all well and good, and you've a good head on your shoulders - well, you look intelligent at any rate - but make sure you've a plan. Possibly an ulterior one, too.

Lord Voldemort is dead, so everything should calm down eventually. I think I'll wait until most of the Death Eaters - his followers - are caught and tried before taking a vacation with Ron.

[She feels so old.]

I did.

I don't think this requires an ulterior motive. If I must, I'll take Dreamless Sleep potions.

Oh, one should always have a backup plan, even if it's just for the form of the thing. Like having a secondary parachute, to take up an analogy.

[And a potion? Well, you've attention now.]

A potion? Really? Beyond the fact that I have precisely zero belief in magic, I might say this: any soporific will leave you rather trapped there, which might be counterproductive.

[oh god. This is where he realizes,]

You were... in the war. You fought... How? You're so young, you shouldn't have to...

I did. [She probably led to the deaths of others.] I'm eighteen. In the Magical World, seventeen is considered adulthood.

I will incorporate meditation exercises in with the Dreamless Sleep potion regimen. That should be enough to, given enough time, set my subconscious mind at ease.

[A quizzical look.]

Yes. I don't think Dreamless Sleep is indicated for long-use, but sometimes you don't have a choice. I know I need rest - otherwise I might do something I regret.

[So he did try to murder a man, and he had had spent years laying out a careful plan to do so, but this is... far more terrible. And terrifying. Softly,]

...I'm glad you survived. I'm seventeen now, and I'm certain I couldn't have lived through something like that, whether I am considered an adult or not.

There wasn't any choice. Either, we ran and hid or fought. If my friends and family are in danger, I will always fight.

[Because she wants to do what's right - not what's easy.]

You...might surprise yourself. Sometimes, you never know what you can do until you've done it.

[He is awed. Can you see the hero-worship in his eyes? And he will just... laugh softly at that, because.]

You think that because you're a brave person. ...I'm afraid I already know what I would do. [He had found out in the worst way possible, 10 years ago; he left his little brother to die. He doesn't hate himself like he used to, as that would be an insult to those who consider him their personal hero, but he isn't going to overestimate himself either.] ...But this isn't about me. Your nightmares-- isn't there some kind of magic for that? Do you think aroma candles could help?

I think everyone can be brave in their own way. Maybe you don't see yourself charging into battle or fighting to protect others, but there are other forms of bravery. Just because an action is subtle and, perhaps, unnoticed, doesn't mean it can't bring about a change.

[Reaching into her purse, she pulls out a phial of liquid.]

This is Dreamless Sleep potion. I'll take it tonight.

[Has anyone told you you're perfect and wonderful and all that is good? ;~; If Shiramine gets a little starry-eyed, that's totally your fault for being so awesome.]

...I. Well. ...Thank you. ...You're really nice. [...] ...Your friends are very lucky to have you.

Please do. And please see a therapist when you get the chance; that can't be a long-term solution. After all you've gone through, the least you deserve is a good night's sleep.

[Hermione doesn't think that highly of herself, but she does love to boost the confidence of others. Especially when someone so obviously deserves it.]

I firmly believe that everyone can be brave in their own way. One of the shyest boys I know turned out to be a hero because he found the strength to stand up for himself and everyone else.

[She blushes and smiles softly.] I have a feeling your friends are equally lucky to have you.

And you're right. Maybe if I get help, I can be stronger for my friends. They went through just as much as I did.

[Well at least she's going about this with a vague semblance of a scientific method.]

Dreamless Sleep. Well, I'll give you this much, at least your 'magic' [And oh yes, he makes air quotes] has a decent nomenclature.

[Hermione is well-aware that science and emotions don't always mix.]

...you don't believe it exists, do you? [Somewhat amused.]

I've heard hypnocil helps with that.

[He smiles, not unkindly]

For a hundred and fifty-five years, I've believed in science and its achievements. A bit late in the day to start believing in palmistry and showy tricks, isn't it?