A/N: I would like to thank celesse201 for helping me with this chapter. Sometimes the hardest thing to do as an author is naming something. Thank you : )

I don't own Harry Potter

Chapter Four: CONSTANT VIGILANCE!

Hermione wrapped her arms around me as I reached the doors to the Great Hall. I smiled as I hugged the girl close, she smelled of parchment and vanilla shampoo. The anxiousness bleed out of me as Hermione's grip around me tightened, her hands clutching tightly to my jacket.

"I think this ensemble is better than what I'd picked out," Hermione admitted when she pulled back and held me at arm's length. "Is this how you were dressed in the past?" she asked curiously tugging at my great tartan.

I nodded and grinned dopily. "Yes, ma'am, expect, ya know, not these colors. More earthy tones with the Black family tartan instead of the Camelot one."

Someone behind us cleared their throat. It was Alex, who was smiling. "I hate to break up a lovely moment, really but shouldn't we get back to the dorms," she asked pointing to Draco, Su Li, Luna and Izzy.

I frowned because I didn't want to leave Hermione. "I'm sorry," I whispered to Hermione so that just she could hear me. "Do you want me to walk you to the Gryffindor Tower?"

For a second I thought Hermione was going to agree to the proposition but she shook her head instead. "No, but thanks, Hammy. I think you should take care of your duties first. But," she tapped my chin and smiled, "be here for breakfast and you'll be forgiven."

"Deal, foxy fox." I agreed quickly and then tried to keep myself stoic as I watched Hermione hurry to catch up with the vanishing Gryffindors.

"She your girlfriend?" Alex asked, a slight smirk to her lips.

I frowned at the woman. "I'd certain hope so, otherwise, I'm pretty sure that would have been awkward and I'd have some explaining to do; don't you think?"

Su Li made no attempt to hide her mirth at my words. Alex rolled her eyes as Luna jumped up on my back. For a second I was scared that my scars were going to protest but I relaxed when there was nothing more than a twinge.

**A**

The next morning dawned pretty quickly. For being a Tuesday it felt more like a Monday, I disliked the feeling immensely. Also disliked holding still while Jubilee stood behind me on the bed so she could rub that mint lotion onto my back; she was convinced that if the lotion helped my hand than it would help my other scars. The little elf refused to hear differently and my protests had died a quick death.

With Dimitri in tow, we headed for Dumbledore's office; Gran had sent a note before bed that said to meet there. That made me feel antsy because I didn't like the idea of Dumbledore being involved or that his involvement made sense. They were his students after all.

We arrived about the same time as Professor Flitwick and I tried not to grimace when I thought of how much having three of his students seek sanctuary must have bothered him. Flitwick was a genuinely nice person and hated bullies. To hear that's what drove them away, especially after putting his house under lockdown last year; well, let's just say that I won't want to be a Ravenclaw after this meeting was over.

Gran, Dumbledore and Professor Snape were waiting for us; at a small table away from Dumbledore's desk. A floral teapot with steaming coming out the spout sat that the center with a little platter that looked like it was stacked high with blueberry scones. I prayed to the divines that this meeting didn't make us miss breakfast because I wasn't doing to ditch Hermione.

"Good morning, everyone," Dumbledore greeted, his smile not reaching his eyes. He waited until us new arrivals were seated. "I have to say that I was surprised, Lady Black, that you had Seekers of Sanctuary so quickly."

Snape scoffed and shook his head at the man. "You can't be serious, Albus. We both know that Mr. Black was going to take sanctuary the moment we heard about the offer before school started. His father, whom can hold a grudge and is not above harming his son to make a point," Snape growled unkindly, "has connections still within my house. The children of Death Eaters would follow his word to the letter to gain credence with the Lord Malfoy." Snape sneered the name. "Draco would have been safe returning to the Slytherin dorm."

"Which is why Draco sought Sanctuary," I said in agreement. "I know that Crabbe and Goyle are both receiving coin, or where this past year, to watch over and report back to Malfoy. Draco had confided several times that he worried what would happen to him while at school if he were to garner his father's ire."

Dumbledore glowered, his eyes flashing with irritation. "Why did Draco not confide this to myself or Professor Snape?"

I tried not to chuckle at the man. Snape just shook his head and the rest just watched. "Why would he?" I asked. "Why should Draco trust you, Professor Dumbledore?" I wanted to know. "Historically speaking, since I've come to Hogwarts, the favor rests with Gryffindor. The Slytherin house are painted as snakes and are usually the ones punished if there is fighting in the halls. Should I reference my first year End of Year feast where Slytherin lost the House Cup because you rewarded rule breaking?" that earned me a nasty glare. "Why should Draco or any Slytherin feel safe coming forth when they don't trust you? If I am to understand Draco's description of Slytherin politics than most disagreements are handled in-house."

"Still, Draco did not have to leave his dorm!" Dumbledore stated irately.

Dimitri chuckled. "It would seem that he did…as that's what he did do," he pointed out with a smirk. "He did not feel safe under your watch. Perhaps…you should…ruminate? No, that's is not quite the word…reflect…contemplate…yes, contemplate as to why this boy did not feel safe with you." I think Dimitri was enjoying this. "This Draco Black, he seems like good boy with good head. Knights say we keep him safe and he came to us; under accords we don't have to force him back to you. He will stay with us."

Dumbledore glowered and Fawkes squeaked shrilly; possibly picking up his master's distressed mood. "Fine, moving on. Why did Isobel, Su Li and Luna act as Seekers of Sanctuary?"

"Bullies," I said simply. "I'm sorry, Professor Flitwick, I really am," I told the man next to me. "I know how hard you worked last year to quell such behavior but the answer is bullies. I'm not sure how exactly but I know that they are organized and use each other as covers."

Flitwick growled dangerously, "I was afraid of that." his tone reinforced my earlier thought of not being a Ravenclaw. His little fists were clenched. "Have they named names, Miss Black?"

I shook my head. "No, Professor. You can talk to them and try to get names but I would advise not asking Su Li. She...indicated that, while she likes Ravenclaw, if the tower was to be set ablaze she wouldn't shed a tear." I saw the little man smirk as I repeated the words that Su Li had told Alex last night. "Honestly, I think that Su Li is…best left with the Knights. I'm not sure she plays well with others, sir. Before the start of last year, I did promise Su Li's grandmother…great-grandmother? I don't remember now, but I did promise to look out for her."

Flitwick actually smiled and pat my hand. "Thank you, Miss Black, for caring for Miss Li. As much as it pains me, I do agree with your assessment. Though, if it's alright with you, I would live to visit your dorm from time to time to check on my Claws."

"Of course," I nodded quickly and smiled at him. "We like visitors."

Dumbledore apparently didn't like the easiness of Flitwick's acceptance of the situation. "Filius, I'd rather the students be back in their proper houses as soon as possible."

Gran chuckled then. "Albus, I think that might take a while and having Izzy and Luna with the Knight's might be better. I know that Miss Lovegood routinely has her things stolen and hidden around the castle."

Flitwick nodded sadly. "This is true, I have tried to catch the culprits but Miss Lovegood doesn't seemed bothered. She merely says something about her creatures and then goes on about her business." The man looked ashamed at this admission. "I'd rather my Claws be safe as I try to fix what's happening in my house. Maybe with Su Li and Luna gone, I can truly affect change."

"And what of Isobel?" Dumbledore demanded. "It sounds like she left to be with her friends."

I shrugged. "She's guilty by association, Professor."

"Fine," Dumbledore stated plaintively. "They may remain," not that he had any say in the matter, "but I want them back where they belong in short order."

Dimitri grinned. "They will remain for as long as it takes. Even if Knight's are not at Hogwarts, the dorms stay open. Is this meeting over?" he asked and rubbed at his stomach. "Breakfast should be starting soon."

**A**

Dimitri and I were sitting at the Gryffindor table when the trickle of sleepy students started. We'd had our heads together discussing the small herd of Pegai (singular Pegasus) that were to arrive within the week. That dwarf that Dimitri had dealt with had finally gotten around to getting them sent our way. I still thought it was weird that we needed flying horses in a society that had brooms and included animagi that were flyers; however, it was better to go with the flow than argue with Lady down in the lake.

Hermione, curiously enough, was carrying my bag as well as her own when she arrived with the usual Gryffindor suspects. She greeted me with a grin and a kiss before handing the bag over; explained that Jubilee had asked her to give it to me as forgotten the thing this morning. Hermione was more than happy to acquiesce to Jubilee's request.

"Where are Draco and the Claws?" Harry asked as he sat down next to Ron. "I thought they'd be, ya know, with you."

"Sorry, Harry," I apologized, "but Dimitri and I had an early meeting and left, I'm sure, before everyone else was awake. Though, if I know Jubilee, they should be arriving soon."

Hermione poked my side and got my attention. "So, are you still having class with us?" she asked worriedly.

I nodded quickly. "Yep, same classes but I might not always be there. Knight stuff."

"Oh," Hermione frowned as if she wasn't sure she liked that answer.

It wasn't long before Draco and the Claws arrived with Alex. I about did a double take when I noticed that their ties, the students not Alex, had changed to Camelot colors. I frowned at that because I was sure that the Seekers of Sanctuary wouldn't be marked in any way. They were supposed to stay blended in or whatever; methinks an elf is afoot.

Gran came around not much later, frowning at the checkered ties the same as I had, as she handed out times tables; Snape and Flitwick had given her Draco and the Claws' times tables as well. I could only shrug when the Transfiguration professor looked to me for answer. Gran just contained a growl and moved on with her task.

**A**

Herbology was boring. Sprout was just rehashing what we'd learned at the tail end of the previous year. Just like she'd done the year before; freaking first day blues. This almost wasn't worth the hike from the castle to the greenhouses.

It was as we were coming back in that I caught sight of a familiar looking face that looked frightened. Mini-Hooch was standing in the entrance hall with her fellow First Years from Hufflepuff looking questioningly at their times tables. With Hermione still attached to my hand, I headed over to see if I could help.

"Mini-Hooch," I smiled at the girl who frowned up at me. "You look lost. Now, I could catch grief with your granny if I were to let your being lost persist," I squatted down so that I wasn't towering over the girl, Hermione's hand went to my shoulder. "How may I be of service, Mini-Hooch?"

"Grammy is right, you are silly," Mattie Hooch giggled. "She also said that you were helpful. We don't know where Charms are."

I looked to my watch and decided. "I can show you," I promised as I stood back up and whispered to Hermione. "Can you let Moody know that I'll be late?"

"Of course," Hermione nodded and kissed me; the gaggle of younger year made gagging noises at the Public Display of Affection. "Oh, hush, you lot," Hermione chided but with a smile; smacking me because I was chuckling.

With my little following of Hufflepuff First Years, I headed off towards Helena's classroom. Mini-Hooch grinned as she grabbed my hand and started asking me questions about Camelot; one of her friends got his hand slapped when he tried to touch my dirk. I almost felt sorry for Helena when we reached her classroom but better her with this hyperactive group than I.

Of course the bell rang just seconds after I'd detached the last ankle-bitter and it was received by a giddy Helena. The little First Years hadn't wanted me to leave once I'd gotten them to their destination and were determined to keep me there. Thus why Helena was so entertained.

**A**

When I arrived at the DADA classroom…well, I sort of reacted without thought when I heard some cry 'Crucio!' and there was a high pitched scream. All rational thinking went out the door when I heard that; never mind the voice casting the spell sounded like Professor Moody. I burst through the door with my wand drawn and ready for a fight.

There were screams as I vanished chairs and pushed the desks to the side, barely seconds later I'd pushed the class back against the wall and on the floor were burned protective runes. I used the momentum of coming through the door to turn on the person casting the unforgiveable curse and set upon them. The man who looked like Mad-Eye looked surprised; which was weird.

My first spell hit him square in the chest with a lang-lock but he'd gotten his senses back with the hit. He put up a shield and stopped my expelliarms; I really need to reverse how I cast those spells because freaking non-verbal casting! I blocked a series of stunning spells that had been sent my way even with the tongue tying curse in place.

I rolled, diving behind a desk and cast an aquamenti; a powerful torrent of water pushing the peg-legged man backwards. The water ended when a desk came at my head; with a flick of my wand the desk turned to saw dust which then became solid again as angry birds that went after the man struggling to get up a shield.

He dispelled the birds but was lost in a fumos; the smokescreen clouding his vision while my overpowered knockback jinxes came in rapid fire to smash against his shield. Spilt second after I'd cast a fourth knockback jinx and I cast another aquamenti and about drown the man. A little flick and the man's clothes froze solid.

"Expelliarms!" came a cry that had a Scottish bur to it and my wand was ripped out of my hand.

I stood, Excalibur forming in my hand when I found myself facing down a pale-faced Gran. Dimitri just behind her with Daphne Greengrass. My fist tightening on Excalibur until my fingers ached. I couldn't figure out why Gran was here and caused me too look over at my ice statue that I now realized was, in fact, Professor Moody.

There was a silver of regret and embarrassment that struck at the edge of the state that I was in; however, I wasn't going to allow that to affect me. Moody had no business casting an unforgivable curse. The voices in my head wanted me to take his head for using such near students; the rage burned across my shoulders.

"Athena," Gran's voice was soft and close. "Breathe, lass. Alastor is not threat so ya need to calm down."

Her words broke me back when I realized I was about to give in to the voices' demands. Excalibur vanished just in time for Dumbledore to arrive with Professor Flitwick and Snape. I can only imagine what they thought because the classroom was demolished. First thing the Headmaster did was to thaw out his DADA professor.

I forced myself to relax and with a flick of my wrist, the runes keeping my classmates safe vanished. None of them moved; Neville and Harry were keeping Hermione in place. Their gaze was firmly locked on Dumbledore as the man looked visibly angry.

"What happened, lass," Gran asked her fingers pulling my chin so that my gaze returned to her.

I took a long breath before answering. "I was late class as I was helping out lost First Years, when I arrived I heard someone casting a Cruciatus Curse. I heard pain and stepped into to protect. Why was Professor Moody casting an unforgiveable?"

Gran frowned and looked to the soggy professor and his rescuer. Then she looked to the shaken class and dismissed them quickly; she left no room for argument. As Hermione slipped by she whispered that she'd be in the library.

"Don't get mad at the girl, Albus." Moody smirked as he tapped his long jacket and it started to steam. Dumbledore was glaring at me. "I would have done the same in her situation. It was a good duel; did so with non-lethal force."

Dumbledore composed himself. "That does not negate the fact that Lady Black attacked my professor."

Moody just laughed and slapped Dumbledore on the shoulder. "That was almost as educational as what I was teaching! CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" the man screamed and then shrugged. "A person should always be aware even in a classroom, Albus."

"A student attacked my professor!" Dumbledore hissed at Moody.

Dimitri smirked. "Unless there was another incident today…then no a student did not attack your professor. If I am not mistaken…the unforgiveable curses are highly illegal."

Dumbledore didn't like the implications in Dimitri's voice. "I can had you removed from this castle," the wizard swore.

"No, you cannot." Dimitri shrugged. "It would take the Board of Governs to end the accords with the Knights and have us removed from castle." Then he blew a raspberry at the Headmaster.

While that may have been funny on some level, it didn't help my growing sense of panic. I gulped hard. Not able to stay in the room, I left it rather quickly. I ignored Dumbledore calling after me to stop; that he wasn't finished. My hand throbbed as the palm tingled unpleasantly and breathing was difficult. I felt like I was on the verge of passing out when I finally stopped walking; used my secondary wand to send a patronus to Hermione to find me.

**A**

When Hermione found me I was sitting in the windowsill of the abandoned classroom that was used last year to practice patronus casting. I wasn't sure what I should be feeling at the moment. My mind was trapped between two realms.

A part of me was just waiting for a string of redcoats to start marching up the lane to the castle, waiting to hear the cannons roar and the muskets' report. I was scared that the screaming would start, the gargle of death that happened at the end just before the silence. My nose hurt in anticipation of the hazy smoke that was burnt power.

The other part of me realized that I was in Hogwarts and it was 1994. If I were to pop to any city in the UK I would find fast food restaurants, cinemas playing Disney and punk music blaring out of boom boxes. My fight with the lobster backs was long over and at the moment I was safe.

I was so busy trying to hold onto the present that I never heard Hermione approach until she called out to me; stay a safe distance in case I reacted violently. The worry and fear on Hermione's face made me whimper because I couldn't stop the thought that the love of my life was scared of me. Tears that I'd been holding back fell without my consent.

Hermione cooed softly and rushed over. The fully engulfing hug was mutual and I sobbed on her shoulder; from my lips came the mantra of repeated 'I'm sorry'. My magic sought out Hermione's and they intertwined as they both sought the comfort the other provided.

**H**

If there was one thing that the aftermath of Athena's confrontation with Moody proved was that Athena was not alright. Hermione had held the sobbing girl until the end of DADA and well into lunch. It was only Jubilee's popping in with a calming draught that got Athena back into sorts. Enough so that the pair could leave the abandoned classroom.

Hermione watched Athena closely and wondered if this was what her grandfather had referred to as 'shell shock' and 'battle fatigue'. How Athena could be so…focused in a fight but fall apart afterwards. Hermione was still trying to wrap her mind around what had happened in class.

She'd never read, anywhere that her studies had taken her, about being able to cast runes the why that Athena had; without her wand or direct contact with the stone. Hermione still trying to come to terms with the fact that the only spell that'd been spoken aloud had been McGonagall's to disarm Athena. She knew that her girlfriend had always been talented with magic but hadn't been to the point of non-verbal magic before the start of the past summer.

For the rest of the week, everyone had been on edge. The story of the DADA duel had spread like wildfire and Hermione had already heard ten different versions; each one more preposterous than the next. Athena's favorite was that she'd cursed Moody so badly that he now farted rainbows randomly.

The tension ended when that first weekend had come and with it had arrived a small herd of Pegasus. They were housed in the Hogwarts stables that Hermione hadn't realized the school boasted. The flying horses had come in a verity of colors and breeds but all sported the tell-tale wings.

There'd been a pure black horse that'd looked like a Friesian; a mare that had connected with Athena. The girl had named the horse, Argo, and muttered that the name could still work even if the horse wasn't a palomino. Hermione had not a clue as to what Athena had meant.

The other horses ranged from roans, to duns and the standard pure white. Almost immediately Athena had put the horses off limits to everyone but the Knights and Hagrid and put up wards so that only those approved could enter their area of the stables or their paddock. Hermione wasn't faulting that decision given the way that Harry and Ron were eyeing the horses and looking up at the sky seconds later.

Then had come Hermione second fright of the year and it was entirely her own fault. It was because she loved Athena full heartedly and that made her do foolish things like agree to take a ride on Argo with Athena. Of course there'd been the promises of enchanted saddles that person couldn't fall out of no matter how crazy the pony got.

Athena had had Jubilee bring to them Athena's bomber jacket with the aviator's cap with goggles. The taller girl had winked at Hermione as she'd duplicated the items and let Hermione wear the originals. If Athena hadn't been so cute in her cap, Hermione would have walked away or at least backed up ten paces. Would have gone over to where Dimitri was entertaining a group of younger years with Hagrid.

Hermione had squealed a little when Athena had demonstrated her strength. Athena had picked the bookworm up and put her on the winged horse; Hermione couldn't scurry away as her butt was firmly adhered to the saddle. Also, Argo's wings were in the way for Hermione to try and bail over the side.

Then came the worst thing that Athena could have possible said after getting her own self on to the large animals. "This is going to be interesting, Myne. I've never ridden a flying horse before." Hermione's eyes had gone wide and she looked back over her should as Athena had chuckled. "Think this is like flying as a hawk?"

"ATHENA CASSIOPEIA…!" Hermione cry had been cut off when Athena's arm had wrapped around her waist and Athena had touched her heels to the horse's side; the horse bolted and wings started flapping.

Then they were in the air when Argo had leapt over the railing of the paddock. Hermione had slammed her eyes shut as they started to gain altitude; she was a fox and foxes were meant to be on the ground! Cruse gorgeous girls with dreamy eyes and dopy grins!

"Myne," Athena had said softly, Hermione shuddered at the feeling of Athena's lips brushing her ear. "Look," the girl had cooed, "we've leveled off and you've got to see this. I promise that you're safe, you know I'd never let anything bad happen."

Hermione gulped when Athena's arm had tightened around her. Instead of opening her eyes, Hermione turned her head and blindly kissed her girl. Some would call it romantic, some would call it foolish and Hermione would call it confidence building. Athena was panting slightly when Hermione broke the kiss; gently licking at Athena's lower lip before turning and opening her eyes.

The bookworm was surprised at how different everything looked from way up above the castle that Athena had them circling. Hermione relaxed back into her girl and grinned. She could understand now why some many people in her life loved flying; didn't mean she was going to jump on a broom any time soon and zoom towards the heavens. When it was over, Argo had lazily drifted back down to the ground.

**H**

School had become routine after that weekend. Moody was still strange and jumped whenever the door near him was opened suddenly; to which he'd scream something about CONSTANT VIGILANCE! Hermione made sure that Athena showed to every single one of her classes; never had classes with Dimitri as he was a year ahead of them.

As the third week of September started, Hermione started to get excited. Though she had the same problem as Athena with keeping track of her age, officially, Hermione was turning fifteen. She was looking forward the gifts; more so to see what people gave rather than simply getting said gifts. Of course she'd be getting books but what books was the question.

She was very curious to see what Athena was getting her, especially after Athena had left Hogwarts for a full day on Argo. Officially it was a trip to determine if Athena approved of the horses flight stamina; according to Athena they were 'alright'. They'd flown to Dorcha Clagh and back. Athena had been acting off since.

Friday, 19th of September, Jubilee woke Hermione. Gave the girl a hug and a muffin before going to do morning chores. There were other students that needed rousing after all and Jubilee was a busy elf.

Before Hermione could make it to the Great Hall, Athena had snagged her from the group with promises of catching up in a bit. Hermione had thought that Athena had wanted to give Hermione her gift early. She was wrong but wasn't upset about that as Athena had pulled her into an alcove and snogged her senseless. They'd gotten to the Great Hall with twenty minutes left before classes; all the packages that had arrived for her had been stuffed in the expandable satchel that she'd never given back to Athena.

That happy buzz that'd come from Athena had lasted pretty much all morning for the bookworm. Lunch had been fun as the fruits were cut into animal shapes that looked a lot like a fox. Hermione had received well-wishes from just about everyone and at dinner, fireworks had gone off near the middle of the meal in Gryffindor colors.

They'd scared just about everyone; most visible were Athena, Dimitri, Auror Danvers and Professor Moody. While those four had been trying to recover themselves, the rest of the hall had ooh'ed and aww'ed over the display that most likely had been caused by the Weasley twins.

The party in the Gryffindor Tower had been larger than previous years as her friends from the other houses dropped by for butterbeers and watching wrapping paper being destroyed. Hermione was giddy with her haul; books, records, quills and ink and such. Only gift that Hermione didn't get to open came from the person she wanted one from the most; Athena.

All the girl had said was that she wanted to give her present to Hermione in private. It was a personal gift and those who were teasing could bugger off; Athena had been half playful and half serious in her chastisement of the crowd. Which was why around midnight when everyone was asleep, Hermione stole Harry's invisibility cloak and used her map that'd yet to be named and snuck off to the Knight's Dorms.

There'd been a small argument with one of the drunken monks; it irked Hermione that the argument had been about alternative names for roses rather than about the lateness of the hour nor that she was part of the dorm she was trying to enter. That was something that needed fixing but not important at the moment as Hermione continued on to Athena's room.

After carefully storing the cloak in Athena's school trunk so that it wasn't lost, Hermione snuck into bed with her girlfriend who was tossing restlessly in her sleep. It pleased Hermione to no end that Athena had reached out for her when she'd felt the bed dip; snuggling into the bookworm and muttering her name in her sleep. For the first time in a long time, Hermione got a good night's sleep and welcomed Athena's kola-like tendencies.

**H**

Hermione woke to the feeling of someone watching her. Blindly she reached up and pushed the offending person's face away; her thumb brushing over a familiar scar and jaw. She heard Athena chuckle in amusement as Hermione's hand was brushed away.

"Come now, little dove," Athena called softly and Hermione groaned at the noise, as lovely as it was to hear. "Ya need to wake up before Jubilee comes back, little dove, she promised a pitcher of water. Cold to be exact, from the lake."

Hermione pried an eye open and looked up at her girlfriend. "You're elf is evil."

Athena snorted. "I've been saying that since Jubilee left Aunt Cissy. You all didn't believe me and kept telling me that she was just overly enthusiastic about her care."

"Give me a good reason to get up." Hermione groused. A threat from Jubilee was a good reason but hadn't quite put the fear in the bookworm to keep her eyes open.

Hermione felt Athena sit up. "Well," Athena said, "I could give you your present now."

That got Hermione's attention and she rose from the bed in much a similar fashion as Hollywood portrayed Dracula. Athena grinned and Hermione noticed she was eyeing the messy mop that was Hermione's bedhead. The owner of the bedhead growled and shoved against her girl's shoulder.

"Piss off," Hermione grumbled and Athena just raised an eyebrow. Wiggling herself around, Hermione got herself in a more comfortable position. "You promised a gift?"

Athena nodded and merely held out her hand towards the end of her bed and wiggled her fingers. The box that rose up from the dresser on the far side of the room got Hermione's attention; it was about the same size as a breadbox but wider. Athena never touched the box as it set itself down in front of Hermione.

Though, when Hermione went to open the box, Athena stopped her. "Just…just a second, Hermione. I need to tell about what's inside before you open the box." Hermione didn't protest but felt confused at the tension that appeared on her girlfriend's features. "I wanted to re-err…to pass along the contents to you because they should be with someone who can truly appreciate them. Also, I wanted to tell you about someone that I met while I was in 1745."

Hermione pulled her hands back into her lap. "Okay."

Athena took a deep breath and held it; Hermione silently counted and was impressed when Athena let the breath out at 45. The dark haired girl started nodding and Hermione recognized the face she was making as one where she was organizing her thoughts. Best to let her but not let her go too long or Athena would get lost in her thoughts; Hermione tapped on her knee to bring her back.

"Right." Athena stated, her green eyes popping open. Merlin, did Hermione love their shade of green. "So, the contents herein belonged to Branwen Copper. She was a Welsh Paladin whom I met not to long after I arrived back then." Athena gave a small smile that Hermione puzzled over. "She reminded me of you and Snape, a very bad mixture if truth be told, in the way she taught me potions when Rigel handed me over to the Paladins for lessons. She was brilliant but scary. Branwen became my friend and…and…and…" Athena paused and let out a shuddering breath that worried Hermione. "She died. I…umm…we were captured by redcoats and taken before a Captain named Rhett."

Anger flashed in Athena's eyes now. Immense anger that caused a shift in Athena's posture and made her clench her fists. Hermione reached out and took one of those fists in her hands; she told Athena to take her time.

"He was demanding to know where a Seer was that we helped get away; another Trelawney if you can believe that." Athena snorted, she'd closed her eyes. "He was starting to molest Branwen, so I did what I do best and I opened my mouth." Athena opened her eyes, they were storm and lost. Hermione wanted to wrap the girl up in her arms but knew that Athena needed to finish her story. "He had me flogged, Hermione."

Hermione gasped in horror. She knew enough about history to know exactly what that meant. Tears formed in her eyes as Athena shifted to her knees, turned and pulled up her long night shirt. Hermione let out a small cry at the sight of the scars that marred the once smooth skin.

She pushed the box out of her way and moved to get closer to Athena. With trembling hands Hermione reached out to touch the scars not believing what she was seeing. She whimpered when the ropy tissue did not vanish under her fingertips. With a cry, Hermione threw herself at her girl's back and hugged her tightly; openly weeping into the disfigured flesh.

"I'm alright, Hermione," Athena promised holding tightly to Hermione's wrists.

Hermione shook her head; her heart hurt for the pain her love had been caused and she felt overwhelming anger as well. "How-how could someone do-do this?"

Athena shrugged. "Rhett was a special bean, that's for sure. He was a cruel man who hurt many people besides me and he'd a rather painful death."

The bookworm growled, she didn't like the nonchalant way that Athena had spoken. "He was a monster!"

"Not arguing that, dove," Athena said softly and Hermione felt her shiver when Hermione's lips gently kissed at the scars. "He's dead and it wasn't natural causes."

It was a long time before Hermione would let Athena go; to force herself to relax her arms more because she left like she was going to fall apart if she stopped touching Athena rather than the other way around. When they were seated again, Hermione was sitting as close to Athena as possible. Athena wrapped an arm around Hermione after she put the box in Hermione's lap.

"Don't worry, dove," Athena promised kissing Hermione's temple. "Branwen would want to you to have what's in here; I think she'd be upset if her legacy didn't do more than collect dust in some trunk in Dorcha Clagh. I think you can put them to better use than I can."

Hermione leaned into Athena as she opened the box, tossing the lid further down the bed deciding she could retrieve it later if needed. She frowned when the first item she pulled out was a wand…that shot golden sparks as Hermione hoisted it into the air. A small voice in her head whispered that the wand was eleven inches of hornbeam with the mane hair of a black unicorn.

The light wood had a slim figure until the hand that was a tight swirl that ended with a blooming rose. Hermione frowned slightly at the acceptance that she felt; how it felt like she was holding her own vine and dragon heartstring wand. She hadn't been this confused about a wand since she'd used Athena's to hex Ronald when he'd tried attacking her cat the previous year; the aspen had responded with no hesitation.

"It likes you." Athena hummed happily. "A second wand isn't quite a bad thing, ya know. We could get you an ankle holster or one of those concealed holsters that go on your belt. Has the expansion charm and is supposed to look a decoration on the belt."

Hermione smirked and looked up at the taller girl. "You want one don't you?"

Athena just smiled crookedly. "Maybe, but I'm comfortable with the holsters I have."

**A**

A weight had lifted off my shoulders as Branwen's wand accepted Hermione. Sort of felt like it was confirming a theory that Branwen really had been reincarnated. Sort of took away the guilt of having started to like Branwen in the same why that I did Hermione; how her magic had reached out for mine.

Which only led to the headache of where the hell had pervious-life-me had been when all this was going down and how the hell could that bitch have let our girl down? Or had my presence there negated an 'Athena' of that era. This was seriously going to give me an ulcer or something as I watched Hermione finish going through the box which didn't hold all of Branwen's things.

I'd kept out clothes and that fucking vambrace/gauntlet thing. Turned my stomach to see the damned thing and brought angry tears to know that every single Paladin had trusted Rigel and their vambrace to save them. Only thing the piece accomplished was looking pretty and nothing more because they required earth magick to work. Gobhar had taken the vambrace before I could light the thing on fire.

Hermione was looking eagerly through Branwen's potion book when that weird egg box that Lord Potter had given me let off a shrill whistle. The outside vanished and left an egg about the size of a grapefruit on top a small nest of quilt batting.

"Huh…I forgot about that," I muttered and Hermione smacked my shoulder as hard as she could. Foxy bookworm had gotten strong. "Ouch! Damn, woman! What was that for?" I demanded as I quickly crawled off the bed, rubbing at my abused shoulder.

Hermione glared at me. "Athena Black!" she cried. "How dare you forget about another pet?!"

I didn't respond because…well, her outrage had merit but in my defense this was the first time the egg had made noise. Gorgo made noise and even the shadowcat had too before he vanished to the Weasley household. I knelt before the dresser that held the egg and watched it starting to wiggle.

Hermione was quick to join me, her ire…mellowed as there came chirping that echoed inside the shell. The little dragonet inside must have gotten frustrated because several minutes after the hatching had started, a large chunk of shell was blown away in a blaze of fire. Hermione squeaked and I laughed; Hagrid was going to be so jealous!

"Come on, buddy," I cooed in encouragement, "You got this!"

Through the hole of the shell I could see flashes of purple, silver and gold in damp feathers and scales. Now Hermione was cooing encouragements, both of us resisting the urge to help the little critter escape its confinement. The little wyvern roared and suddenly the egg broke when it forced its wings out; this time I helped as the top half of the shell was stuck on the wyvern's head.

"MAMMA!" I heard screamed in my head as bright bronze reptile eyes looked up at me.

"What?" I frowned and fell backwards as the little purple creature launched itself at me, tiny front legs reaching out for me.

I heard a small grunt and watched as the wyvern tried flapping its wings but nothing happened. The creature landed in the middle of my stomach, it was heavier than it looked. Hermione started laughing.

"Oh my goodness, he's like Icarus." Hermione cooed at the critter burrowing into my sleeping shirt.

I frowned at her, looking away from the wyvern. "What…wait…what?"