Deceptive Cadence
Chapter 10 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.
ReviewedDeceptive Cadence
When words leave off, music begins
Heinrich Heine
Hermione took a deep breath, met the giant’s eyes once more and then, with determination, grabbed his proffered hand.
When they slowed down and Malfoy Manor appeared, Hermione shuddered, painful memories invading her mind. She had no eyes for the stark beauty the carefully manicured grounds presented with an eerily glowing snow cover against black trees and the night sky.
“Do not think of those days,” the giant advised in his gentle voice. “Clear your memory of unpleasantness and concentrate on what your task is.”
Hermione met his eyes. “Yeah. Not like you’re asking much,” she muttered.
The giant graced her with a benign smile and remained silent.
“You’re joking!” They’d landed on one of the balconies of Malfoy Manor. Hermione began to shiver as images of torture, memories of the shrieking cackle of Bellatrix Lestrange, and her own despair washed over her.
The giant shook his head. “Have you ever known me to joke?” His even gaze met her eyes. “I am aware you experienced pain in this very house. But since then you learned that it was not at Malfoy’s instigation that you were tortured, and what’s more, you’ve made friends with the lady of the house. I am under the impression that you have, indeed, forgiven the Malfoys for playing the part they did during those dark days. It is the Malfoys who have been looking after the professor all this time. Look inside.”
She followed his eyes and gasped, her own misery instantly forgotten. An elderly woman, probably a Healer, was firing spells at Snape, who lay unconscious in a large bed. Narcissa was sobbing, and Lucius, holding her tightly with one hand, was brushing tears off his own face with the other.
“No! He can’t die! But what can I—” Hermione stopped mid-sentence, for the bass was piping up again, reminding her of its presence with a timbre both loud and clear.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! She was none the wiser as to what to do, but the presence of the sound reassured her, and its never-before heard volume instilled hope.
The cellos arrived as one, playfully dancing around the contrabass before inviting more strings by rising to a higher pitch.
When the violas joined in the blithe banter, Hermione realised she and the giant had crossed through the physical barrier of the window into the room. She found herself standing near Narcissa, but never noticed her friend’s incredulous, “Hermione! It is you?”
She knew the violins would join shortly and wondered momentarily. Would they play? Would they mourn?
Immense relief washed over her as the violins danced in with a crescendo that promised nothing but joy.
Snape moved, and Narcissa let out a cry of surprise.
Contrabass, with its deep tones, pledged a return to life, and cellos reinforced the declaration. Violas and violins spoke of delight and called for more.
The horns strutted in like kings, turning the hope and promise to reassurance, eliciting a smile from Hermione.
Snape’s eyes fluttered open, and he turned his head, looking around.
Narcissa stared at him with wide eyes. Lucius’s mouth dropped open, and the Healer smiled.
Flutes chirped approval, and Hermione locked eyes with the man.
Piano! Piano, I need you…
She arrived in a most deceptive manner with tones so low they could have been mistaken for bass, only to abruptly change to a high pitch, chirruping like a piccolo. But then, the chromatic scale from high to low left absolutely no doubt of her identity nor of the extent of her magic.
The piano’s tune slowly changed into an intriguing tale of fighting, then survival, and finally, rejoicing in the delight of life.
Snape offered a lopsided smile.
The piano, now dancing the lure of a rumba, seducing her listeners to live, charming them to return to the earthly pleasures of life, amplified the tempo, inviting the harp, who arrived promptly as if he’d been waiting.
His greeting, an arpeggio from lowest to highest C, flowed into the room like a most graceful danseur. Another, moving to a lower pitch, commanded the piano to rejoin. Her happiness was expressed in a cheerful dance of major chords, which strings were readily joining.
Hermione listened raptly as this symphony unfolded its layers of joy and pleasure. Snape, she noticed, was sitting up now, as if about to get out of bed from a night’s sleep. Lucius was still holding Narcissa tightly to himself, as if preventing her from running towards Snape.
Eventually, the symphony announced its final cadence with a roaring crescendo, which quieted only gradually. As the last tone rang out, Hermione swayed, feeling exhausted. The last she saw was Lucius turn to her and hurry towards her, but she never knew he caught her before she hit the floor.
Lucius only just caught her, inches from the floor. “Merlin, girl, that was the greatest act of magic I’ve ever witnessed!” He turned to his wife. “Cissy, get Severus some water, would you?” Then he turned to his awoken friend. “Severus.” They locked eyes until there was a knock on the window.
Before Lucius even reacted, the giant pulled the old hag through the window, ignoring the density of the glass.
“Hector,” the hag rasped, “I’m done here.” She sounded tired, defeated even. “Take me home, please.”
The giant bestowed a smile on her. “You’ve done better than anyone could have hoped for, you wondrous creature, you.” He pointed at the dark wizard who sat up in bed, silently watching the scene in front of him. “If you hadn’t turned up when you did, Hermione would not have succeeded. Yes, my work here is done as well. I’ll take you home.” He stretched out his hand in an inviting gesture. The old witch took it, giving him a watery smile, and together, they faded out of the visible realm.
After a long silence, Severus smirked lightly and moved to the side of the bed without effort. He patted his hand on the space beside him. “Lay her down here so the Healer can take a look at her.”
“Yes,” Lucius confirmed and carefully put the young witch next to his friend, who promptly put his hand on her forehead. “Lyra has been looking after you for the past eighteen months or so.”
“She’s cold. Put another log or two on the fire, would you?” Then he looked at the blond with an incredulous expression. “WHAT?”
Lucius cast a warming spell over Hermione and turned to tend to the fire. “What, what, Severus?”
“Eighteen months, you said?”
“Indeed, my friend. We never gave up hope completely for you, of course, but there were moments recently when we feared checking on you after some sleep…”
Narcissa sat down on the bed, stroking the young witch. “Hermione,” she whispered. “Please wake up so I know you’re all right.”
“You…” Severus swallowed heavily. “You and Cissy actually looked after me all this time?”
“Well, Lyra helped us a lot. She is a wonderful Healer.” Lucius’s eyes met Lyra’s and then turned to Narcissa. “Let her take a look at Hermione.”
The Healer rushed to the bed. “Severus! Oh, Merlin, never have I seen a happier sight!” Her attention turned to the witch beside him. “I take it you know her?” She looked questioningly at Narcissa, who’d stood up to allow Lyra closer.
“We’ve become friendly over the past month or so.” That’s what the old hag—witch— meant! Narcissa swallowed. “I should have known, really, or at least connected the dots…” She shook her head. “It was she who brought the music to heal Severus.”
Lyra had already started casting diagnostic spells on the recumbent witch, clucking now and then. Finally, she looked up with a sombre face. “Her magic is depleted. Badly. She needs all the rest she can get.” She went silent for a few moments. “I want to check out Severus, and then we can consider the options for Hermione.”
A/N: Reviews make authors write more.
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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. :)