Suspended Fourth
Chapter 5 of 12
karelia"Ah, music. A magic beyond all we do here!" Hermione had long forgotten the fateful words Dumbledore had uttered at the end of her first Welcoming Feast when they proved true beyond the shadow of a doubt.
ReviewedSuspended Fourth
There is no logical way to the discovery of elemental laws. There is only the way of intuition, which is helped by a feeling for the order lying behind the appearance.
Albert Einstein
Ignoring the cold, Hermione slid to the ground to listen, to absorb the sound, to become one with the music. She sat in rapt silence until the sweet tones of perfectly tuned instruments were interspersed with cries. Cries of a male voice. Cries for help. Cries of agony that far surpassed Bellatrix Lestrange's Cruciatus Curses, making her curl up on the cold earth. Cries becoming so intense her heart ripped apart.
When it subsided and then finally stopped, just as she thought she could take no more, Hermione crawled inside the cottage, fleetingly grateful she'd set the wards to recognise her, and collapsed into bed.
The giant approached her quietly. "Are you ready to see more?" When Hermione shrugged, he smiled. "Surely, you know that your journey has only just begun?"
"I don't know what to make of it," she admitted. A small sigh escaped her. "How does one recognise what to do in a situation like this?" Maybe the giant knew the answer.
"You are doing well. Come, I'll show you." He stretched his hand out just as he'd done before, and she took it, this time aware they'd defy gravity and travel by unconventional, unknown means.
They landed on the balcony of an old, decrepit mansion near the Irish Sea, its former glory long dissipated, chipped away by the passage of time. The giant motioned for Hermione to look inside through the large window.
The light inside was dim, but she made out a bed on one side and a chair next to it. A woman, not old, but her once auburn hair heavily peppered with grey, sat on the chair, her lips moving and her eyes shifting between the book in her hand and the motionless form of a young boy on the bed.
"A few days after his eighth birthday, he was poisoned by a gang of Muggles who thought he was the devil incarnate because of his bouts of uncontrolled magic. He's been catatonic for nearly six months," the giant explained quietly. "Nobody has been able to bring him back. He spent the first three months at St Mungo's, but then his mother wanted to look after him in her own home, hoping he'd be more comfortable here." Hermione watched with almost morbid fascination the scene inside the old house.
She turned to face the giant. "Muggles did this?" Her voice was one of terror. "Oh, Merlin!"
He nodded, his expression sombre.
"The poor, poor family," Hermione whispered, her heart reaching out to the mother for her loss and the boy for missing out on his life. Images of Harry and Ron in her first year came to her mind, tugging further at her heart. He may never experience friendships. Or Hogwarts...
Hermione frowned when her companion smiled. And then, suddenly, she comprehended.
The bass began to play, its low rumble tickling her skin before it entered her ears. The cello followed seconds later, its pristine tones causing her to shiver from the sheer beauty.
When the viola approached, hesitantly at first, but gradually gaining more courage and, with it, volume, Hermione rejoiced. The arrival of the violin, proposing a tantalising cadenza of each note building upon the previous, gaining intensity, no longer surprised her, but the beauty of absolutely perfect harmony brought forth by what appeared to be the melodic interpretation of a planetary alignment left an indescribable sensation within her, one she feverishly hoped to repeat many a time and one she knew she'd never forget.
She didn't notice the tears on her face as she watched the boy looking at his mother with wide eyes, nor did she hear the French horns enter the symphony with nothing less than a full chord.
The mother cried out in perfect tune with the offering of the universe.
A smile spread over Hermione's face as she watched mother and son reunite. Gryffindor, maybe... A sob escaped her, unnoticed. "Merlin, what can I do?" She looked helplessly at the giant.
"Look what you have done!" He pointed at the scene inside the room and smiled.
Hermione did a double take. It really is so. The music woke him up! The realisation knocked her out cold.
When she awoke, the sun was high in the sky or, rather, as high as it reached in the Highlands with winter approaching. The memory returned slowly. Dream? Not a dream? Who knows...
It didn't matter, and she pushed the thought aside. It did matter when she received an owl carrying a Prophet with the headline, Jonathan Diggle Awake! Healed by Unknown Source! The article included a photograph of young Jonathan, still in his bed but awake, smiling and sitting up. The same boy she'd seen in the dream, in which he'd been lying in bed, unmoving, unresponsive, while his mother had read to him.
"Lucius! He moved!" Narcissa called out, excitement ringing in her voice.
Lucius looked at the recumbent form on the bed. "You really think so, love?" He sighed. "I don't mean to shatter your hopes, but he looks all the same to me. I wish I could say differently!"
"No, I know he just moved. I saw it. It was not imagination. He moved his head at least two inches," Narcissa insisted.
"Cissy. Love, I know the article in the Prophet is hopeful, but let's remain realistic, yes?" He let out a deep breath. "You know I want nothing more than for Severus to wake up and be well, don't you?" His hands found her neck, and she let him pull her closer.
"I know, love." Narcissa sighed. She knew she wasn't wrong. Severus had moved. Not much, but it raised her desperate hopes for him.
"You need a break," Lucius said. "It's been weeks since you last went out."
Narcissa nodded slowly. "You're right; it's been too long. I suppose I could owl Hermione Granger and see if she is up to giving me a cookery lesson."
"If that is what you'd like, go ahead. It will do you good to have some female company."
She knew he had no objections despite his initial reservations about the young, Muggle-born witch, which had soon dissipated over the lunch they'd shared. "Yes. If nothing else, it'll be a girly day out for me." Narcissa met his smile and moved to her desk to write a note. Then she headed outside to find an owl strong enough for the journey to the North.
Winter had started in the Highlands. Grass and other just-above-ground bushes were covered in a layer of frozen dew. There were no more mushrooms except the most hardy, all inedible. Hermione looked at the landscape in wonder. It was so beautiful, yet harsh, forbidding. Until the bass made itself heard. Then it turned to perfect beauty. She slipped outside in her pyjamas to hear it better, more completely. And it turned perfectly whole. The contrabass, the very base of every orchestra, offered its perfection at her feet, keeping them warm and cosy. The cello granted more precision as it followed the deepest of strings, making her sigh in contentment. When viola and violin joined in, she cried out with joy. But it was nothing compared to the horns and then, the flute. Sweet tones set against dark, savoury ones, wholly fulfilling her very soul.
She cuddled the ground, not minding the plants beneath her, in comfort so acute she doubted it was real.
"Go back inside! You'll catch death!" the giant's voice interrupted her.
She crawled back inside and lit the fire. Then she curled in front of it, cherishing the warmth and dozing off.
An owl knocked on the window, waking her.
Hermione,
If you are willing still, I'd love to meet you for a cookery lesson. How about Thursday? Let me know either way, please. The owl will wait for your reply.
Kind Regards,
Narcissa
Hermione stretched. Yes, some company will make a nice change... And teaching a Malfoy the art of mushroom cookery will make good conversation when I see Harry and Ron again. She chuckled at the thought and sat at the table to pen a reply for the owl to take.
It was time to look at the calculations again, now that she'd heard the music several times. Hermione sifted through the parchments, stopping at the last one filled with three-digit numbers and the names of the first six notes.
396
417
528
639
741
852
C
D
E
F
G
A
"Oh! Frequencies," she muttered and pointed her wand at the parchment. The letters changed and righted themselves instantly to each correspond with one frequency.
396Ut
417Re
528Mi
639Fa
741Sol
852La
Looking at the previous parchment, the one with the spiral, Hermione frowned. The notes correspond to the first syllable of each verse... And it reads like a hymn... She pointed her wand again, but only a rune appeared. Isa. Hm. Yes, I suppose this is beginning to frustrate me.
When the contrabass began to play again, interrupting her thoughts, Hermione looked up, startled. She left the parchments be and headed for the door, grabbing her cloak on the way out.
The cello joined the bass. So did another cry for help. No, please! she thought and stopped in the midst of the herbs in the front garden, dreading the imminent anguish. And it arrived with force. The cries grew stronger, the agony piercing her heart in rapid succession like a maniac let loose with a needle. She opened her mouth to scream, but no sound came out. The viola played now, too, but the cries for help, desperately conveying an agony she'd never before encountered, drowned its sweet melody.
Hermione bent to kneel on the ground, her arms wrapped around her chest in a poor attempt to shield her from the torment. The cries became yet louder until the entire violin section of the galactic orchestra came forth to voice its opinion. Then, finally, the volume of the sobs subsided, and only a small whimper remained. The gentle tune of the French horns began to converse with the violins, and a flute chirped in occasionally. Hermione opened her hands to allow the music to penetrate her, to heal her shattered heart. She took a deep breath, and finally, realisation hit her that she knew the voice. The voice of a man the world had thought dead for a year and a half.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Harmonic Resolution
170 Reviews | 5.94/10 Average
Wonderful story!
A beautiful story with a wonderful, hopeful ending. You must have put a bit of time into researching some of the theories you discuss in this story. There is some very real depth to Hermione's thoughts.
delightful. The thought of such music fills me with joy ....
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the review.
an absolutely superb story. loved the music of the spheres. i've only heard of the phrase before but i;ve often contemplated the concept. you have inspired me to do a bit of research. thanks so much and mucho smoochies
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
Thank you! I find it a very fascinating subject. :)
*More Applause* It makes perfect sense to go from Lockhart to the Longbottoms. What a wonderful scene.The ending is utterly beautiful, perfectly wrapping everything up to its most satisfactory conclusion. I'm glad I finally had time to read this.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
And I am very happy that you enjoyed the read!Thanks muchly for all your luvverly reviews!
Well, Lockhart was a nice touch. Narcissa's derision of Dumbledorian championing was delightful. Meep, now I must run to the next chapter... Evil cliffy!
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
LOL. Evil? I don't know what you mean! :P
Firstly, yay for the Copland quotation. Second, Lucius' regret at not maintaining Narcissa's happiness is so sweet. Few writers capture the harmony of the Malfoys as you do.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
Wow, Merrin. Kind words! Thank you very much!
*applause* I almost feel as though I can hear the music and Severus' voice.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
Oh, good!Thank you!
Brass? Wow, that's neat. I'm thrilled to see the three of them finally interacting. I love your Narcissa.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
*beams*I'm so glad you like her!
Very neat. I can't help but enjoy observing Hermione in nature and home. This set-up is so beautiful that I *almost* don't mind the suspense waiting for the plot to thicken.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
*grins* I'm sure I got carried away at times when it came to Hermione in that environment, but writing it was ever so enjoyable, lol. Thanks for the review! :)
Very neat! I like the little details like the Azkaban clause in the OoM. Intriguing start.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
Thank you, Merrin! :D
That was a perfect ending. I loved the description of the Universal orchestra, the planets playing the music. And the awakening of the Longbottoms, so tender and sweet. Best of all was the blossoming love between Hermione and Severus as she follows her heart's desire for knowledge. This just begs for a sequel... 
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, Karelia. Your beautiful words conjured equally beautiful images of joyful sounds. This was a true mood enhancer when I really needed a boost. Thank you, as always.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
I'm so glad you liked it!It was probably the most intense writing experience I've ever had, but to me at least worth every single word. :)And yes, a sequel is already in the works.Thanks, once again for your thoughtful and beautiful reviews!
It's nice to see Lockhart redeemed, helping to heal Hermone. I liked her reaction to feeling the music. It explains why Lockhart is different and Severus' change as well. It can only be described as spiritual, to experience the miracle of healing when all hope from conventional treatments is lost. I can't wait to see how this affects Hermione and Severus... together?I'm sad to see it end so shortly, if you call twelve chapters short.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
I'm glad you think so about Lockhart! Some readers weren't quite happy with that, but the reasons for his healing was that firstly, it didn't take quite as much energy as healing Severus with the music, and secondly, I guess I'm the forgiving kind, lol.Perhaps it's not short, but it certainly isn't novel length. There was a time limit to writing it.Thank you for another thoughtful review!
Wow! Severus is awake. But at what price? Hermione has depleted her magic to guide the Universe's energies to heal Severus. I'm curious to see his reaction to his newly appointed saviour. Will he return to his former snarky self, or will he be changed by his life-altering experience?I'm more than a little surprised to see the hag and the giant working together. I imagined her more corporeal and him as ethereal. But any means to an end, to bring all the important players to the party. 
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
You're right; the hag was certainly of a more defined shape in this world than the giant. If you accept the possibility that ETs walk amongst us, then it's not such a far-fetched thought. :)Thank you for yet another lovely review!
Oh, I'm so excited. She finally will meet Severus. Her dream encounter with him early on made me think about miracles. How our society likes to know the answers to strange phenomenon, rather than celebrate in the glory. I understand wanting to know why, but there should just be joy in the event of its own merit. Quidditch for the Advanced Sportswizard. LOL
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
Oh, you're so right! What most also don't understand is that sometimes, looking inward instead of out for answers will provide them much sooner.Heh. I can create worlds, but I have trouble coming up with names for stores. *snrts*
Thank you for the nod in the A/N. It was truly wonderful working with you and getting a first glimpse at this. I enjoyed it just as much, if not even more, the second time around. Truly an amazing story, so full of hope and love. This evening was a bit depressing for me and it was nice to sit back and read something so beautiful to lift my spirits.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
Thank you for helping so much with it! Without all the questions you asked and all the conversation we had during the writing of it, this fic wouldn't be what it is.I hope your day at least was better! *hugs*
So nice that they were able to return the favor for Hermione.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
It was a kind gesture *nods*Thank you, deb!
I love that giant. He's so wise and loveable.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
*grins*I grew rather fond of him, too!Thank you for your lovely review!
Great story! Great concept! I think a sequel, where Hermione and Severus further explore the Music of the Spheres, would be fantastic!
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
So glad you like it!Yes, there is a sequel in the works. :D
Response from blackeyedlily (Reviewer)
Wonderful news!
I loved the girl talk between Narcissa and Hermione. A pure-blood enjoying the retail joys of Muggle London. LOLBut I wonder why during three encounters Hermione hasn't made a connection between Severus and the Malfoys. I guess she's not putting two and two together when Narcissa vaguely mentions her friend. Hermione must realize that both DE and 'good' wizarding society has shunned them. Or maybe she doesn't know who to trust when speaking about the 'spy who didn't really die'? Or maybe I'm anxious for the SS/HG romance to begin?
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
I don't see any way for Hermione to have a reason that the Malfoys are looking after him at this stage. :DOh, of course, waiting for the romance to begin does make sense, and I'll admit I did draw it out rather long, lol.
The hag is an enigma. She is very sensitive to the Earth, but I wouldn't equate her to Gaia, or should I? 
I thought she was the piano whose notes seemed to snatch Severus from the hands of death, but perhaps she was Hermione's wake up call, alerting her to conduct the planets, or their music, to healing, rather that wallow in the emotional pain she felt from Severus dying. Healing Lockhart? Seems like a waste, but if he will devote himself to serving the wizarding world instead of his blatant self-promotion, I guess he's not all bad. Why not heal the Longbottoms? Curious minds want to know!
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
No, not to Gaia. Imagine her to be, perhaps, an instrument. :DYou're spot on about her snatching Severus from the hands of death!Healing someone is never a waste I don't think. Thanks, as always, for your lovely review!
I thought the giant was a figment of Hermione's imagination, despite the real life results of her dreams. But then the giant just pops up and knows all the answers. Is he related to Dumbledore? LOLLove the friendship growing between the witches, breaking down the barriers of bias. At least Lucius can see that Narcissa enjoys Hermione and thrives in her company. I don't see that he had much of a choice to return to the DE after Voldemort's physical rebirth. He didn't have an excuse for hesitating like Severus did. It would have been curtains for Lucius to defy the DL.I'm slowly warming up to your Lucius. Canon LM was self-serving and not always the concerned family man. Your Lucius is devoted to family and friends. He sees the injustice served to Severus and he wants to remedy it as well.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
As a being of light, I'd say he looks at things from a different perspective and therefore appears to be quite omniscient compared to us mere humans, l,ol.Glad you like the friendship between Hermione and Narcissa!And you're absolutely right about Lucius not having had a real choice.So pleased you're warming up to my Lucius!
And nothing would please me more than you and Lucius deciding to stay on, but alas, I fear loveliesless times are back again.I truly enjoyed every bit of this story and considering ah, you know what, that's quite something if I may say so myself :)Thank you for the music (I have been into classical since my childhood but have come to appreciate and love certain kinds of rockmusic as well), the mushrooms and for being nice to the Malfoys. 
Can't wait for the sequel and hope - well, you don't have to be Trelawney to predict what exactly.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
LOL!I'm so glad you enjoyed it despite the, uh, elements you don't like. :PYou're most welcome for the music. And I've been nice to the Malfoys for a long time. :D
Response from slythkid (Reviewer)
I know you have. No reason not to thank you, though. :D
Wonderful, Lady...just wonderful! And I am SOOOO excited that there will be a sequel. The ending of this story reminded me a bit of one of my favorite books. Of course, this story ended much more happily however open ended, but nevertheless, 'tomorrow is another day'! I can't wait to find out what happens next. Well done. I listened to Holst while reading this...your story made me think of his Planets Suite.
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
Wow, you have such praise for this fic! Thank you!It's funny you should mention Holst. I actually considered his Planets Suite as a basis, but then, Lucius, my Muse had entirely different ideas, of course. :D
What an awesome story! I'm glad to hear that Hermione and Severus will be spending a lot of time together indeed, since they will be both living and working together. I imagine that will be quite an adjustment for Severus, someone who, until very recently, has spent so much of his life in a relatively solitary fashion. Then again, having a new lease on life opens up so many wonderful possibilities, and it sounds like Severus and Hermione are very happy. I think they have a wonderful foundation to build on and wonderful friends in the Malfoys.But I have to wonder... how will Hermione's other friends react to the changes in her life? And how will the wizarding world react to having the Music back... I imagine Hermione will find herself bombarded with requests should her identity be revealed to the general wizarding public.Again, this was a completely awesome story and I enjoyed it very much!
Response from karelia (Author of Harmonic Resolution)
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts!Sure, it'll be an adjustment. But... hearing the music, being healed by it, is a profound spiritual experience that takes away much of negative emotions, so I think he'll be quite fine sharing his life with Hermione.Some might try to make requests to her regarding the music. But keep in mind that she isn't playing it herself; she coaxes it into playing when needed, and occasionally the music gifts her by playing just for her and her loved ones. We'll have to see how the sequel pans out to that regard. :)