I know it has been a while since I have updated this story. I have been working on this one, redoing Second Chance, and a few little plot bunnies that have been hopping around in my head.
As always I do not own Harry Potter.
As Hermione appeared within the boundaries of Potter Cottage, she could not believe her eyes. The last time she had seen this place was the Christmas on the hunt. The house in front of her looked nothing like the crumbling cottage it once was. The roof was put back on, and all the graffiti was removed. There was now a wrap around porch and a small garden in the front. In all the house looked peaceful and idyllic. In fact, if you did not know the history of this house, you would never suspect a tragedy had occurred there.
Hermione found herself glad that the wards were so strong that no one could see her as she walked around the house spreading the purified salt on the ground to cleanse the property. She opened the door and walked inside. The last and only time she had seen the inside of the house was in the memories of Professor Snape. The staircase was partially blown away, and the whole house was ready to cave in on itself. Now Hermione smiled as she looked around. Harry had rebuilt the stairs and resituated the entire house upright. It was a beautiful home with a strong Gryffindor style presence. As beautiful as the interior of the house was Hermione could understand why Harry did not want to live there for extended periods of time. After all, this was where his parents lost their lives.
Hermione took one last look at the entry of the house before making her way into the living room. She pulled a bundle of oak logs out of her bag and placed them in the empty fireplace. Using the salt one more time she created a circle in front of the fireplace and sat in the center. She waved her wand one last time in the direction of the fireplace and watched as flames appeared.
There was no more turning back. It was now or never, and Hermione prayed that this would work.
She carefully pulled out the remaining items out of her bag and placed them according to the diagram from the book. There were now four pure white candles set around her. One to the direct front of her, another to her left, one more behind her, and the last one to her right. In between each candle, there was another piece of the ritual. There was a large gold goblet filled with wine, a large gold serving platter that had fruits and vegetables on it of all assortments, including raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, lettuce, radishes, and cucumbers. Between the next two candles sat a large grouping of plants including a Lily of the Valley, Roses, tulips, and lavender. And the last offering was another smaller serving plate that had a large Cod on it. Beside that, there was a bundle of incense. In the center, she placed Harry's hairs on a small white hankie.
With another wave of her wand the candles all lit, illuminating Hermione at the center of the circle.
Hermione took a deep breath. "Mercurius exaudi plee!" she cried.
"I bring you this offering and ask for your guidance." At the end of this, she grabbed the incense and threw it into the fire.
"Four souls once lost I beg for their return. Four souls all sacrificed for one man."
Hermione took the hairs from the hankie and threw them into the flames.
"Four souls connected through time and space by the one they loved."
Hermione picked up the flowers before speaking again.
"I beg for Lily Summer Potter" Hermione gently throws the flowers into the fire.
She waits a minute for them to burn before picking up the plate full of fruits and vegetables.
"I beg for James Charlus Potter."
Hermione threw the contents of the platter into the fire and watched as they burned. She watched as the flames grew darker.
"I beg for Sirius Orion Black." Hermione had to hold in her laughter as she threw the wine into the fire. If this worked then she would have to remember that of all of them he was the one the booze had been thrown for him.
"I beg for Remus John Lupin." Hermione grabbed up the fish and threw it into the fire.
The flames were now growing hotter and hotter as Hermione was nearing the end of the spell.
"Mercury! In all your wonderful guidance, please accept my offerings. Return to me now the ones I called. Return those whose lives had been cut short and delivered to you before their time."
Hermione watched as the dark red flames of the fire started changing into blue flames. It was beautiful.
"Ita ius esto ita dicam!" she yelled.
The flames jumped higher and higher. Hermione could feel herself being pulled towards the flame. But it was not her body being pulled. No, it was her magic. She could feel her magic being used for this spell. It was harder then anything she had ever done before.
The flames whipped out and started circling her. "Ita ius esto ita dicam!" She yelled again, not wanting to break first. The book had warned her that she would be tested like this.
The flames grew closer and closer, and Hermione could feel the heat causing her skin to sweat. As uncomfortable as it was Hermione did not move an inch. She could not let Harry down now. If there were a chance, this could work she had to do it.
"ITA IUS ESTO ITA DICAM!" She yelled at the top of her lungs. The flames burst and surrounded her, and she swore they were burning the ceiling. She was almost drained completely when the flames quickly disappeared.
Hermione was completely drained and started to sway. Her vision blurred and right before she passed out the last thing she saw was four figures standing in front of the fireplace. She saw them and then the world went black.
So there it is. Hopefully I will have more for you guys soon. As long as I can stop letting the little plot bunnies run away with me that is lol.
Till next time lots of love from the Bookworm