Wraiths in this world: Are ghost like creatures that may or may not have once existed as humans (or other similar beings from other planets) who simply watch evolution. They can appear in human form occasionally to satisfy their own needs…and the needs of the ones they have chosen. They only do this once or twice a century, depending on the mate they've chosen. Once their mating is complete, they leave the chosen one with a physical marking and a gift: one of their powers. Sometimes this may be a wish, especially for muggles. Muggles who had experienced difficulty in life or a certain handicap receive some sort of "miracle" or relief from other despair. For wizards and witches, the gift is more complex. Sometimes it is just a spell or charm. Sometimes, and much less frequently, it is more…
Chapter I: The Wraith Visits
Hermione sat in a dusty old library pondering through a collection of books. Thanks to a conversation with Remus Lupin.
It had started at the train station as the trio departed and left their sixth year behind: Dumbledore's death, Draco's sneaky deeds, and Severus Snape's ultimate betrayal. Hermione still thought there were more questions to be answered regarding Professor Snape, but they would not come into light soon. Nor will they in this story.
Remus Lupin had been one of the Order members meeting the trio at the station, personally taking Harry and Hermione to their respective homes. Ron's father had taken himself and Ginny. Hidden Order members watched their every move, every step. It was during the brief conversation with Professor Lupin that sparked an idea in Hermione.
An idea that led her to the secret library hidden within Westminster Abbey. Not the old library visitors could occasionally visit, climbing an old stone staircase to view books over a thousand years old. No, this one was in the basement. It had many corridors and held more important books – secret books – shelved by monks and wizards from the centuries past.
She wasn't alone. Monks, priests, bishops, select members of parliament were among the select few allowed in this sacred place. Thankfully those who ran the Abbey knew of the magical world and the seriousness of the upcoming war. A few were wizards themselves, placed in the Abbey for true devotion or for other means.
No one dared question the presence of the young woman.
She felt as though she were being watched. Not by any of the other attendants, not by the Order members. Someone…or something else was watching her.
It was when she was finally gathering her notebook and writing tools that Hermione saw him. She gasped. He looked young, but his eyes looked years older. Wiser. Sharp, chiseled features were framed by black ebony hair that went just below his shoulders. He wore all black, with the exception of a silver colored collar.
Hermione reached down for her bag to sling it over her shoulder. When she turned to look at the man again, he was gone.
Hermione felt shaken as she headed toward home. She knew Order members followed her every move, but she still felt a twinge of nervousness as she went to her parents car and drove home.
The Granger home was protected by many wards and charms which easily let the girl through as she drove into the garage. She was thankful when she finally entered the house, no alarms raised. No Order members needing to appear.
Her parents were not home. They had been taken away for their own protection; on long holiday according to their family, friends, patients, and employees.
Hermione went into the kitchen to warm some Monestary Lentil soup, and prepared home-made croutons and some grated swiss cheese to put on top once the soup war nice and hot. (an: a favorite of mine to make and eat…very filling and healthy. See Diet for a Small Planet)
She had just pulled the croutons out of the oven when she felt a presence behind her. She grabbed her wand and quickly turned around. She gasped. It was the man from the sacred library.
"Ms. Granger, I presume." He spoke silently. His voice was comforting and Hermione felt oddly relaxed. "My name is Ernand. And you are my chosen."
Hermione trembled as he stepped forth and took her free hand, allowing her other to continue gripping her wand. He brought the hand up to his mouth and kissed it gently. He then placed both hands around hers and gently stroked it. "There is no need to be afraid. I am not one of those who belong to the Evil One."
Without intention, Hermione felt her other hand slip her wand back into her pocket. "Who…I mean…what…how did you get inside my home?" While still nervous, she no longer felt scared. And she didn't understand why…yet.
"Allow me to explain. But first, perhaps you feel the need to eat?"
"I'm not hungry. Anymore." She whispered quietly.
"But you need your strength. I have startled you, no doubt, please do not let me stop you from nourishing yourself.
Ernand sat and watched the young woman eat. His polite command that she do so left him in silence as he waited for her to complete her meal. And the vision before him left no doubt to his choice. He had been watching her for some time now, ever since her fourth year at Hogwarts. He had gone to watch over the Triwizard Tournament and to visit another old friend. He found himself more compelled to watch her, knowing what she would become. How she would mature. And when to mark her.
He continued to watch over her, had been an unknown presence during her hospital stay after her fifth year and the Department of Ministries episode. He was there with her and Luna, in the dark, at the end of sixth year.
When she finished she politely excused herself to go put her dishes in the sink, letting them rinse off before returning to the table.
She didn't speak until she returned to the table, sitting down and folding her hands out in front of her. He was right. She felt worlds better. "Now, Mr…er, Ernand, what is it that you are doing here? More importantly, how did you get into my home?"
"I am here to help you. I am a Wraith. One of the oldest."
Hermione gasped again. Her jaw continued to drop. Ernand reached over to gently lift her chin back into place. The gesture felt…intimate. Hermione's mind went racing. Wraiths. Everything she had read about them quickly sped through her mind. Until her mind simply stopped. He was in human form…and wraiths only took on human forms…she was a chosen one?
"How? Why?"
"It is not simple. As you no doubt know, a wraith only takes human form when he selects a chosen one." He explained. He knew her well enough to know she would demand all information he could give. "This only happens for us one or twice a century. Sometimes there are more, sometimes none at all. All depends on the ones we have chosen. For many millennia there were only a dozen or so of us; now, with the increasing population there are more. More than fifty, less than a hundred. The ones we select our usually women, age is not so much an issue as is maturity."
Her eyes sparked with new knowledge. He had seen that spark before. "I take it that much detail went further than your knowing?"
Hermione nodded. "Books I have read on your kind never specified who…"
"Nor shall they ever. We don't allow it. Just as the reason for why we choose, although some have a strong idea. Some know, but they keep the secret guarded. A family may know, but only for various reasons. Such as to let the information pass down the generations. We have keepers, you know of a keeper yourself."
Hermione shook her head. "No, I did not know."
"Well, now you do. And here is where I tell you what you have been chosen for." He paused and took a deep breath. This part was never easy. "I have chosen you to be my mate."
He saw the saddened look fall upon her face. His revelation was unexpected, and her reaction held other reasons that he well knew of. Ron. He smiled gently. "It is only for three nights. We choose partly to teach the arts of sexuality and sensuality. Our mates have either not experienced sex, or merely not the sensuality of intimacy."
"But I…I mean…I…" Hermione couldn't believe she wasn't reacting more outraged.
"Our interludes will not disrupt what you already have, or will have. This is not about cheating on a spouse or coming between what you may have with someone now or in the future. It is…divine. It is not fate, but it is something beyond what humans are able to do on their own."
Hermione frowned. Now she felt the anger build up inside. She was about to tell this man…wraith…off when he stopped her.
"It is not wise to turn the other way. You cannot defy me. But your willingness and understanding will be rewarded."
"I will not do this…have sex with you just to earn a prize!"
Ernand chuckled. "No, but if you turn the other way there are consequences. It is not my choice, it is written on the plains of existence. My gift is not a prize for having you…it is to honor you and our sharing of each other. And yes, that, too, is written in the plains of existence."
Hermione was stunned. She was chosen. For…for what she did not know. What she hadn't experienced yet. Sure, she had shared a few snogs with Victor. They were even passionate, but her heart always belonged to Ron. This was why she turned Victor down for more. But then Ron had mucked everything up last year, and she had no idea exactly how far he had gone. Although her heart knew the answer, her brain just needed to know…desperately.
"No." Ernand simply stated.
"What?"
"The answer is no, he has not. Hasn't come close."
"Than how can you expect me…no, a better question is why me?"
Ernand smiled warmly. "You are exquisite. Divine. Heavenly."
Hermione shook her head. "Surely more beautiful…"
"There are none. You are one of the few that possesses such beauty – inward and outer beauty - to compel my human form. Your intelligence, your bravery, the way you walk, your eyes, your lips…"
"Enough!" Hermione nearly shouted.
Ernand chuckled. "You underestimate your power greatly. As I said, there are few to rival you, yet there can be no one true beauty above the rest. That is why there are more of us. That, and the need to watch human life unfold and become history. I could mention a few familiar names from history, and one from your time. But first, I need your agreement. And you may have a few days to collect yourself before doing so."
Hermione nodded. "Yes, I will need to think this through thoroughly. And I suppose, prepare myself."
Ernand nodded back. "Then I will come for you in three days. I know you will undoubtedly read about my kind some more, to gain as much knowledge as you can." His eyes twinkled somewhat like Dumbledore's. Speaking of which… "And perhaps it would help to visit the only other chosen one I have known that is still alive and well."
Hermione looked at him in question. She blinked hard. "I can…talk with her?"
"Yes, she will know my name well. And have, no doubt, quite the story to tell."
"Where can I find her?" She asked.
"At Hogwarts. I believe she now goes by the title of Headmistress. Minerva…Minerva McGonagall." He said lingering on the name, and then Ernand simply disappeared.
AN: Thank you for tolerating the beginning of this little story. I had the idea for it months and months ago, but never did anything about it. Recently I have been thinking about it again, and when Coconut Girl posted her new "fun stories" I thought I would give this a try. After her encouragement, I finally wrote this first chapter. This will likely be a short story, 3-5 chapters long.
Hope you enjoyed…and please review!
Chapter II coming soon: Visiting the other woman: Minerva McGonnagal