Sol (Dominant) – 741 Hz – Awakening Intuition
Chapter 9 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.
ReviewedSol (Dominant) 741 Hz Awakening Intuition
Do you know that our soul is composed of harmony?
Leonardo da Vinci
Hermione breathed in the clear, cold Highland air, appreciating its purity after hours of London pollution, before she entered the cottage. It was cold, and she rushed to light a fire and cast a Warming Charm for good measure.
Within minutes, the Muggle thermometer in the corridor rose to show room temperature, but the cold prevailed. Maybe I'm just tired. She tidied the parchments she'd planned to work on and instead headed for bed. Tomorrow is another day.
Hermione was floating across a decidedly foreign landscape. East Anglia was as flat, but its scenery did offer more than barren fields that were only occasionally interspersed with conglomerations of identical-looking houses and the odd copse of trees. Yet something was attracting her to the setting.
"It is the energy, Miss Granger, love in its purest form, that called you here. The land is nothing to write home about except, perhaps, as a warning why monoculture is a bad idea. But the love, created, maintained, and increased multi-fold by the inhabitants of this tiny town is what has been keeping me alive thus far, combined with the love of those who look after my physical body; although I admit I'm beginning to lose strength. It has become troublesome to hold on to the physical."
"Professor!" Hermione exclaimed. "I've been hearing your... calls for help, and I've been trying ever since to find a way to help you!" She shrugged and opened her hands and hated the sound of defeat in her voice. "I don't know how."
She expected a sneer or a clipped smirk at best at her admission and maybe some sarcastic remarks. What she did not expect was the smile he offered. "Trust. Trust your heart, Hermione. That is all it takes."
He looked haggard, she noticed, but the once seemingly permanent sneer was absent, and so was the ever-engrained sarcasm. The look he cast her was a mixture of contentedness and sorrow.
"That's all it takes?" Hermione asked, voice heavy with disbelief. "I've used Arithmancy for calculations, and while I'm nowhere near a solution, I think I've made some progress. I have managed to coax the music into playing to heal a little boy and Gilderoy Lockhart, but I still have no idea how I did it."
His smile was bordering on a smirk. "You may have no idea how, but what matters is that you succeeded, no?" He raised his eyebrow. "You have your entire life ahead of you. Plenty of time to figure out the details. For now, allow yourself to simply be."
Hermione awoke with a start, the last words of her former professor ringing through her mind. Allow yourself to simply be...
A weak winter sun was slowly rising above the horizon when Lyra finally turned around to face Narcissa and Lucius. "He's pulling through for now. I don't know for how long, but it looks like he's here for another day at least."
"We'll take it day by day, then," Narcissa whispered, relief washing over her in such strong waves it was nearly painful. She let herself fall onto the sofa, exhausted from anguish as well as lack of sleep.
Lucius, looking as tired as she felt, plopped down next to her. "Lyra, I don't think we can ever thank you enough."
Lyra waved her arm dismissively. "Don't be daft. That's what I'm here for." She smiled at the couple before turning to check on her patient. "He is stable for now, so I'll go home and catch up on some sleep. Maybe you two should do the same." With a last smile and friendly gesture, she disappeared into the fireplace.
Lucius eyed his wife. "As tired as I am, I think a bite to eat wouldn't be amiss. Join me?"
"Yes!" Narcissa realised she hadn't eaten since parting with Hermione the evening before. As if in agreement, her stomach growled, eliciting a laugh from Lucius.
"Come, love. Let's find something edible in that kitchen of yours." He pulled her up from the sofa.
Narcissa checked once more on Severus. His temperature was back to normal and his breathing shallow. "Please be well, Severus," she whispered before turning to join Lucius for breakfast.
Hermione smiled as she read the parchment, recognising the familiar writing.
Hermione,
You can't expect us to believe that you'll enjoy spending Christmas all by yourself, so we've decided to come and pick you up on Christmas Eve and take you to the Leaky Cauldron, and afterwards, we'll all go to the Burrow together. Don't worry one bit about presents, your company is all we want, and we know what you're like when you're in the middle of researching something.
Be ready on Christmas Eve, around five. 'No' is not an option.
Love,
Harry
Ron
It would be nice to see her best friends again, and Christmas at the Burrow had always been fun. "Hang on a sec, would you?" she asked the owl who perched on the backrest of a chair. The creature hooted and patiently waited while the witch grabbed a quill and ink.
Once the owl flew off with her reply, Hermione decided it was time for a day of shopping for presents. She'd go to the wizarding quarter in Inverness to find gifts for Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Molly, and maybe to Muggle London to find something for Arthur.
Hermione wrapped herself in winter clothes and Apparated from the front of her cottage straight to a quiet alley near the wizarding quarter. She smiled as the lively atmosphere engulfed her in a warm greeting. Diagon Alley might be the biggest wizarding quarter in Britain, but Inverness was by far the more sophisticated, elegant one.
She entered The Wizarding Scholar first, indulging in a selfish moment, knowing perfectly well there was nothing to be found for either Harry or Ron. But the shop had a café in its midst where she'd be able to peruse books and enjoy a cup of coffee, the ideal start to a day that might well turn into a chore.
It wasn't her first visit, but the content of the musical section was certainly new. She found herself hard put to choose from Robert Fludd...The Life of a Wizard Genius, Alana Lohengrin's Chasing the Music of the Spheres...Historic Occurrences, and Cicero's Musica Universalis and its Mathematical Connection. One title elicited a snicker: Johannes Kepler...The Man who Outbrighted Fludd. The image of her former Arithmancy professor came to her mind, and she thought, Take that, Professor Vector! It might be educational.
As she stood pondering which book to purchase, it suddenly occurred to Hermione just how sparsely she'd been spending money since she'd moved to the cottage. She grabbed all four books. Sod it. I can afford it, after all!
At Quidditch for the Advanced Sportswizard, Hermione didn't take long to find appropriate presents for Harry, Ron, and Ginny.
Once out on the street again, Hermione looked around. Her eyes fell on a window displaying dining ware and kitchen gadgets, and she slowly headed for it. Molly's present might be easier to find than she'd anticipated. Culina Magica read the vividly purple sign above the door. Hermione's eyes widened as she entered. It was a culinary witch's paradise. From books about cookery and kitchen charms to self-sharpening knives, from Always-Clean-Plates to paper-thin slicers for those who liked to make their own crisps, from recipe collection parchments to never-burning-ovens, everything a witch could imagine was there, and a few things unimaginable, such as the egg-lover's three-eggs-a-day laying hen. The bird, Hermione thought, looked more like a piece of decoration than a live animal.
In the end, she settled for a self-cleaning bamboo cutting board for Molly, herself intrigued by the magic imbued on it; ten seconds after its being used, it turned pristine again. It also came with a life-time guaranty, which would please Molly no end.
The sun was setting quickly by the time Hermione Apparated back to the cottage, and the temperature had dropped significantly. The air smelled strongly of snow, accentuated by a sharp, cutting breeze, and Hermione hurried inside.
She cast one warming charm after another as she walked through the house into the kitchen to deposit her goods on the table. Then she headed to the living room to light a fire. As soon as the fire sprang up, she added an extra log, no doubt that the ground would be covered in snow soon.
Reflecting on the day, Hermione sat down at the kitchen table to wrap her purchases. She'd reached the last one...Molly's...when the bass rumbled. A shiver ran down her spine.
"Are you ready?" The giant had once again appeared out of nowhere and stretched his hand out in invitation. His face held a solemn expression. "If not now, it may be too late, young one." The tone of his voice was sombre.
Hermione felt the blood leave her face. "It's Professor Snape, isn't it?" Upon his nod, she whispered, "I have no idea if I can do it, but I could never forgive myself if I didn't try my best."
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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. :)