Disclaimer - I asked if I could have Harry Potter and JKR said no. So I don't own it.
Now - Harry! Some folks wondered at their estrangement. Sometimes feeling hurt or rejected by a close, trusted friend is worse than being hurt by a stranger or acquaintance because it feels more like a betrayal. Just a thought.
Chapter Four
Hermione asked her question and then tried to nestle back down. She was so comfortable! She hadn't felt so calm and rested in ages.
"You're awake!" Adrian smiled at her from the floor in front of the couch.
It took her a moment to realize that people were surrounding her. She was holding Adrian's hand to her chest and her head was in someone's lap. She also felt someone sitting behind her on the couch and a fourth person was gently rubbing her feet. No wonder she felt so warm.
"How do you feel?" Severus asked from a chair a short distance away. Her morning came rushing back to her and Hermione tried to bolt up from the couch.
"Severus! How are you? Are you okay? How's your hand?"
Sitting up was proving difficult, because her legs got tangled with the person holding them. Whoever was behind her wasn't letting go either.
"Calm down," Severus soothed. "I am fine. All healed. See?"
He held up his hand, which looked normal - pale and elegant, with long tapered fingers. Hermione let out a sigh of relief.
"I'm so sorry!" She cringed. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"I know," Severus continued to soothe her. "It was an accident."
Hermione nodded, willing away tears that were forming. She loved Severus. He was a dear friend and she had hurt him. It wasn't on purpose of course, but it was clear to her that she was a danger to others.
"You never answered his question about how you feel," Marcus pointed out.
Hermione turned her head to look at the large wizard. His lap had been where she was resting her head before she tried to get up. Hermione took in the situation and worked to untangle herself. She looked down and saw her legs were tangled in Theo's. He helped her free them and she sat up straighter. She looked to see Draco behind her. He helped pull her upright, but also pulled her into his chest - so she was sitting in his lap.
"I'm not sitting in your lap, Draco," she chided.
"Spoilsport," he muttered. He did, however, help her move to sit next to him. Although, he didn't let go entirely; he wrapped an arm around her, cradling her to him. Marcus was close on her other side, his muscular thigh pressing against hers. Adrian stayed on the floor, leaning against her legs. Theo, on the other side of Draco reached for her hand.
"Are you alright?" Theo asked, squeezing her hand. That felt nice, comforting. Being surrounded like that felt comforting.
"Yes and no," she sighed. "I am fine at the moment. I guess I needed some rest. I feel good, rested. Why are you all here?"
"I forgot to owl them and cancel poker night, so they just showed up," Blaise admitted. "I told them what you told me, your... diagnosis. I didn't know if I should say."
"I don't mind," Hermione said. "Everyone is going to find out soon enough. I made a pretty huge scene at St. Mungos. I bet the news has already started to spread."
"It will be okay, Granger," Draco said confidently. "It will work out."
"How do you know?" Hermione challenged sharply, turning to face him. Fighting with Draco was familiar; it felt normal, which was nice. Hermione desperately wanted to feel normal right now.
"Because I want it to work out," Draco smirked. "And Malfoys always get what they want."
Hermione couldn't help but laugh at his self-importance, which was only half in jest. The other wizards in the room chuckled as well. It would be nice if she had the Malfoy sized self-confidence sometimes. She probably wouldn't be so anxious and worried if that were the case.
"It's been a very long time since I've seen a magical problem I couldn't solve," Theo said. "I imagine it's the same for you. We'll research this and find the answers that you need. I promise, Mi."
Hermione squeezed Theo's hand, happy that he'd used the nickname he'd often used for her their seventh year in school. He was a very intelligent wizard and Hermione was happy to have his help. The subject was so emotionally sensitive to her that she was worried she wouldn't be able to focus in an objective way. Theo would definitely get anything she missed.
"He's right, kitten," Adrian smiled, reaching to squeeze her knee. "We will figure this out together. I haven't lost a case before the Wizengamot in ages. I am not used to defeat, and I don't intend to get accustomed to it now."
Hermione looked down at the beautiful wizard sitting at her feet and couldn't help but meet his smile. She felt warmth suffuse throughout her chest at the thought of having Adrian on her side. The idea that this wizard would support her gave her a very pleasant feeling.
"I always win," Marcus informed her, running his finger up her neck.
"Huh, I don't recall that from all those times Gryffindor beat Slytherin in the school Quidditch pitch." Hermione smirked, turning to face him. She tried to suppress a shiver. Marcus had a raw, masculine presence that affected her so easily.
"When I fight, I always win. Quidditch was more fifty-fifty," Marcus grinned. "We'll fight anyone or anything that threatens you, princess, and we'll win."
Hermione laughed and leaned her head on Marcus' shoulder. The warm feeling she had, spread throughout her whole body. She could use all the fight she could get.
"What in the world is going to happen next?" Hermione sighed. She had felt so overwhelmed that morning and afternoon at St. Mungos, but now she felt better, more relaxed. Maybe it was the comfort of the wizards surrounding her, all letting her know - in his own way - that he was there for her. Not just the four on the couch, but Severus and Blaise as well.
"There are three rituals that must be done in the next three weeks," Severus informed her. Hermione could tell he was trying to explain gently, but everything was just going too fast.
"Why three weeks?" Hermione protested.
"Midsummer is in three weeks," Theo said a little apologetically, lacing his fingers through hers. It felt reassuring.
"The third ritual is either done on the summer or winter solstice if possible, because they are such magically important days," Adrian nodded. "That is when you will bind to your Ancillary."
"This is all so strange," Hermione shook her head. In three week's time, she would be bound for life, to another person, who would anchor her magic. It was the only way she would be safe around other people. She would have three weeks to get used to the idea, if that was possible. Hermione decided to focus on the rituals in order. "So what is the first ritual?"
"The first ritual focuses and organizes your magic in your body," Blaise spoke up. "It's the most dangerous ritual. If your elemental magic resists working with you, with your physical body, it could..."
Blaise couldn't finish the sentence. He looked away toward the fireplace.
"It could overwhelm you and cause all your internal organs to fail," Draco finished. "On the bright side, if the ritual works, you won't have any of those physical symptoms anymore - fatigue, migraines, and whatnot."
"That's comforting," Hermione snorted. She did appreciate that Draco didn't shy away from the difficult parts. It was like he had faith in her strength. He knew she could handle it. "It's not like I have a choice. I can't go around accidently burning people's skin off. Will this make me less dangerous?"
"No, princess, it won't," Marcus shook his head. His large hand spanned the back of her neck. It felt so good. "If anything it will make you stronger and more reactive. Elemental magic is very different, as I'm sure you know. There is a reason magical humans don't possess elemental magic, it doesn't meld with human physiology. The first ritual will sync it with your body, making you stronger. The second ritual will attune the elemental magic with your mind, giving you more conscious control. If you don't go mad, that is."
"You won't go mad," Severus scoffed. "I've never met anyone with your mental control, or your stubbornness."
"Thanks for the compliment, Severus." She chuckled. Hermione thought about the risks. She went in circles in her mind for a few moments before her rational inner-voice put a stop to it. She really had no choice in this. "So, I go through ritual number one without my insides turning to mush, then I go through ritual two without my mind shattering to a million pieces, and I get to be bound to another person for the rest of my life."
"It won't be so bad, kitten," Adrian said, stroking her leg. "Your magic will help you choose the right match. Your Ancillary will feel compatible, like he's a missing part of you."
"How do you know?" Hermione asked, honestly curious. It was the exact same question she'd asked Draco, but without the hostile tone.
"My great-great-great-grandmother was a Sorceress and my great-great-great grandfather was her Ancillary," Adrian grinned. "Family history says they were extremely happy together."
"That's sweet," Hermione smiled. Her stomach rumbled, loudly, reminding her that she missed lunch.
Blaise jumped into action and had his House-elves start making dinner for their large group. Blaise managed to untangle Hermione from the four wizards on the couch, then ushered her into his dining room. Blaise sat her at the head of the table then put himself and Severus on each side so the other four wouldn't argue to sit next to her.
The elves set out a wonderful array of food and drink that all seven people heartily tucked into. Hermione was famished and had to restrain herself from shoveling food in her mouth in a very unladylike manner.
"You'll have to notify the Ministry," Severus observed.
Hermione sighed and nodded. From what she had heard, the Ministry was far and away a better organization now than when she was younger. It was not as corrupt or short sighted. Kingsley Shacklebolt had been elected Minister a few years ago. Hermione had always got on well with Kings. It was the publicity of it all that was regrettable. Hermione hated being in the tabloids and newspapers.
"Pucey and I can help you navigate the Ministry bureaucracy," Draco offered. "We do it all the time for work."
"Thank you," Hermione said seriously. She really didn't want to do this alone. She knew she'd have Severus by her side, but he could be prone to doing things 'for her own good' because he cared so much.
Over dinner, the seven of them came up with a plan. Severus would owl Kingsley that night and make an appointment to see him first thing in the morning. Draco and Adrian would accompany Severus and Hermione. Meanwhile, Theo would start researching the rituals. Hermione would meet up with him at Pucey Lodge after she was through at the Ministry. They all agreed that Adrian's family library was a good place to start, since there was Sorcery in the family line relatively recently. Wednesday they would tackle the Malfoy family library in the morning, followed by Flint's in the afternoon. They would petition to Headmistress McGonagall to use the Hogwarts library Thursday. Hermione was sure her old mentor would grant her access, especially considering her research subject. Nott would scour his own expansive libraries on his own, as would Severus.
The first ritual would have to be done that weekend, preferably Saturday if everything could be ready by then. Hermione took a deep breath before starting in on her chocolate cake. It felt good to have a plan.
OoOoO
All the wizards at the table felt better because they had a plan of action. Between the six of them, they had varied talents and resources to call upon in times of crisis. And all of them considered the welfare of Hermione Granger of the utmost importance.
Draco knew there would be huge political fallout for her, one she was likely not expecting. Sorceresses were the most powerful beings on the planet. They literally had the power to bring prosperity to a whole region. Malfoys were adept at navigating political waters. As he watched her eat her cake, Draco knew he would employ every diplomatic strategy he knew for this witch. Draco made a note to confer with his father about this at length.
Adrian was sure meeting with the Ministry would not be entirely simple, even if Hermione was an old war buddy of the Minister's. People, and governments, tended to see Sorceresses as public property, as a boon handed to them from the higher powers. It made sense that Hermione was born when Voldemort was at or near his highest power, during his first ascension. Sorcery could serve to balance an evil or right a wrong in the world. However, Adrian was going to make sure Hermione's rights were protected. She looked so delicate sometimes, even though he knew she was tough as nails. Adrian couldn't help but want to protect her. She could be an important public figure, yes - but not public property.
Theo found himself mentally sorting through his own library at home. There was so much written about Sorcery, but it would be hard to find things applicable to Hermione. Her path to become a Sorceress was disrupted and delayed for years! Theo would go and personally interview every living Sorcery expert if he had to. Small details of the rituals might need to be adjusted and Hermione's life hung in the balance. The pressure was almost too much. Looking up at her though, Theo knew he could manage it. He would be strong for her.
Marcus furrowed his brow watching his little witch. She sure could put away the food, despite her size. It made him want to smile, but he couldn't. He knew she would be hounded. Everyone would want a piece of her and Marcus was going to keep them all at bay. He was famous for his ruthless treatment of members of the intrusive press and aggressive groupies back when he played Quidditch professionally. Honestly, there were still groupies and reporters that wanted a piece of him now that he worked at the Department of Magical Games and Sports. His own experience was just the tip of the iceberg. There would be thousands wanting to meet her, to touch her, to be her Ancillary. Marcus wasn't going to let them near his witch.
Severus was lost in thought. He knew the Black family adored all things Sorcery related and he wondered if Hermione would go to Grimmauld Place, even though Harry still lived there. The library was bound to be useful. He also knew that Lucius Malfoy had studied Sorcery at length, primarily at the Dark Lord's behest. Voldemort had been slightly obsessed with trying to become a Sorcerer, which was impossible, or locate one for his own use. Anyone with that kind of power would have been a lasting and real threat to him. Severus knew Hermione well and knew she would balk at using Voldemort's research, even if it was applicable.
Blaise wondered if Hermione knew how she would be perceived. Having a Sorceress in Wizarding Britain was wonderful luck for the troubled country. She would be seen as a benefactress, but she would also be feared. Just as easily as she could stay in England and let prosperity bloom around her, she could also leave. She had been gone for four years already. The populace would be worried about her leaving again. Blaise was skilled at marketing himself, at putting out the kind of image he intended. He looked at his friend. She was so tiny, so people may not immediately see her strength. He decided to help her manage her image and deal with the publicity of her new position.
Blaise smirked as he noticed the thoughtful looks on the other wizards' faces. He imagined that they each were thinking of ways to help Hermione, of things they could do for her. If she took them up on their help, she would have an impressive team.
Blaise was jolted from his thoughts by a throat clearing in the doorway. Next to him, Hermione dropped her fork. It clanged loudly against her plate. All the wizards followed her gaze to see Harry Potter.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your meal," Harry said apologetically. Everyone just stared at him and he started to get uncomfortable. "Did I get the date wrong? I thought I was invited for drinks after your poker game."
"You were!" Draco assured him after another moment of silence. "I'm sorry, Potter, we forgot. We didn't even play poker tonight."
"Um, why don't you sit, Potter?" Blaise offered, gesturing to the empty seat at the end of the table opposite Hermione. "Cake?"
"I don't want to intrude, but I'm also not one to turn down cake." Harry smiled. He sat and looked down the table at the pretty witch with the short hair. Harry wondered if she was one of Blaise's latest conquests, but it would be unusual for his playboy friend to introduce a witch to his mates and Severus Snape. Maybe the little thing was with Severus. She looked so familiar and Harry squinted through his glasses to see her better as a House-elf set cake in front of him. No one was introducing him, which was strange as well. Harry decided to do the honors. "I'm Harry Potter."
A dead silence fell on the table. Draco, Blaise, and Theo made strange sounds in the back of their throats and looked at him incredulously, while the other three wizards looked expectantly at the witch. Harry wondered what grievous error he'd made in introducing himself.
"Really, Harry?" the witch asked him. Her voice! He knew that voice. It was the voice that had guided and soothed him for seven years. It was the same voice he'd missed hearing for four years!
Harry bolted out of his seat, knocking back the chair. Hermione! Of all people and in all places, it was Hermione. Harry couldn't help himself. He ran to her and scooped her up, squeezing her to him. He leaned back to look at her, not letting her go or putting her down. It really was her. He should have recognized her immediately. She was much tanner and all that long curly hair was shorn off, but he should have recognized her immediately.
"You're back," Harry observed softly. She nodded. "I'm so sorry, 'Mione, for what happened. I never should have sided with Ron, never should have said the things I did."
Harry was sorry. It was a serious lapse in judgment. He hadn't known Ron was cheating until Hermione blew in that morning, hexing Ron in all her righteous fury. He'd hardly been able to believe it. He'd wanted his friends to work it out, which was selfish. It wasn't until she'd been gone for several months that Harry found out Ron's cheating wasn't the one isolated incident, but a pattern of infidelity that had been going on all year. Ginny's easy dismissal of Ron's behavior told Harry all he needed to know about his wayward girlfriend's views of monogamy.
"I forgive you," Hermione nodded seriously, her eyes misty with tears. "I want to apologize for waiting so long to give you a chance to apologize. I shouldn't have refused your owls."
"It was good you did for those first months at least," Harry chuckled. "Those were just more of the same."
"If you are going to hold her all night, I'm going to tell Pansy on you," Draco interjected. Harry blushed slightly and set her down.
"So much has changed." Hermione smiled, resuming her seat.
Harry didn't want to be so far away so he Accioed his chair and sat next to Hermione.
"I know," Harry smiled. "Who would've thought I'd marry Pansy Parkinson? You'd really like her though, now I mean. And you a Master in two fields! Have you returned from Istanbul for good?"
"How did you know where I was?" she wondered. Harry cast a furtive glance to Severus, making her turn to face their ex-professor.
"What?" Severus drawled, taking another sip of his whiskey. He loved chocolate with good whiskey. "You said you only wanted life or death news from home. You never said they couldn't have news of you. I only told Potter what you've been up to, not that other one."
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"It looks like I'm back for good," Hermione informed Harry. "Well, as long as that may be."
"That will be a good long time," Marcus said sharply. "You are going to live another ten decades at least."
The other wizards nodded vigorously. Harry was confused.
"What's going on?" he asked.
Hermione sighed and turned to face him.
"What do you know about Sorceresses?" she asked.
The discussion, more like lecture, that followed left Harry with a whirlwind of emotion. Growing up in Muggle culture, there was still historical Wizarding things he didn't know much about. He had heard of Sorcery, but didn't have a lot of details. He understood it all though. One of his oldest friends was set to become the most powerful magical person in the world, if she survived the rituals that is. He was a little comforted that she had these wizards to help her. Harry vowed to himself to do whatever he could, to use his still-considerable influence to help her any way he could.
"I'm a little tired of talking about all this." Hermione sighed. Harry could see the weariness creeping into her face. He knew Hermione would push herself past the point that was healthy. "Tell me how you became friends with a bunch of Slytherins."
"Well several months after you left, Ron and I had a…falling out, and Ginny sided with her brother," Harry explained. "That was the end of that relationship, which – in retrospect – was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was in a pub, drowning my sorrows, when Malfoy here strolled in – looking every inch the ferret he was."
"Hey!" Draco protested. He hated it when Potter called him a ferret, but Hermione was laughing so he decided to let it go. She needed more laughter.
"Of course, Malfoy started in with the insults, one of which was that I couldn't even get pissed properly," Harry continued. "We proceeded to try to drink each other under the table. We both won, or lost as the case may be, since we both ended up on the floor that night."
"I don't know if I've ever been so pissed in my life," Draco chuckled, sipping his drink. "It took a lot of alcohol to make Potter tolerable."
"We kept running into each other in pubs, drinking and talking, until we finally made plans to run into each other on purpose," Harry said, ignoring Draco. "We started hanging out, going to the pub. I join the weekly poker game when they need a fifth. It's a good thing I'm not in on the regular game, because I am pants at cards and these gents play for high stakes. I got to know Pansy though, and finally asked her out a year ago."
"It took you long enough," Blaise teased.
"How's married life?" Hermione wondered.
"Wonderful," Harry smiled. He knew he looked like a grinning, love sick fool, but he wouldn't have it any other way. "Can you come over to dinner tomorrow night? Around seven? You can get reacquainted with Pansy and we can really catch up."
"I'd love to," she smiled brightly. Harry had missed her genuine, guileless smile as well. He was so happy his friend was back, even if it was under strange and extreme circumstances.
"I'm still at Grimmauld Place," Harry said. "And you are still keyed into the wards, so you can Apparate over."
"I can't Apparate," Hermione said, looking down at her plate. She seemed embarrassed. "My magic is too out of control and I might Splinch."
"You are also still authorized to Floo," Harry shared, wondering if she could Floo.
"That should be okay," she smiled, looking a little brighter.
Harry couldn't imagine what his friend was feeling. Magic had always been so easy for her. There wasn't a spell or potion she couldn't do. She'd been Apparating since she came of age, but now she couldn't be sure of doing even simple spells. Harry knew she must find it infuriating and a little shameful. He reached over and squeezed her hand in support.
"We better go home," Severus said. "It is getting late and you need to rest as much as possible. I know all too well how cranky you can be first thing in the morning without a proper sleep."
Harry quirked his eyebrows at his friend leaving with Snape, this was a new turn of events for bespectacled wizard. He'd known their ex-professor was in contact with his long lost friend; it made sense given her Mastery of Potions, but to stay at his house? And how does Snape know Hermione's morning behaviors? He was right too. She did get cranky. Harry had a lot of questions to ask her over dinner the next night.
"Don't think you can start bossing me, Severus, just because I'm not at my best," Hermione scolded. Her tone lacked force though and they could all see she was tired. "Aren't you supposed to bow down to the Sorceress?"
"You'd like that wouldn't you, you naughty witch," Severus laughed. He stood and held out his hand to her. When Hermione stood, all the other wizards stood up from the table as well.
"I may as well make the rounds," Hermione grinned, turning to Harry. "It was…well, just wonderful to see you again Harry. I've missed you and I'll see you tomorrow night."
Hermione reached up and hugged her old friend tightly for several moments. She released him and made her way over to Blaise.
"Thanks for the rescue today, Blaise," Hermione blushed. Blaise opened his arms and enfolded the small witch.
"Anytime, Piccola, anytime," Blaise smiled. "I'll see you soon, I'm sure."
Hermione nodded and walked to Theo.
"I appreciate the research help, Theo," she smiled. Theo reached out and pulled her in to him, his arms around her shoulders. Everyone got a hug so far and he wasn't going to be left out. He squeezed her gently and deeply inhaled her scent.
"It will be just like old times, Mi," Theo said, pressing his cheek into her hair.
When Theo let go, Hermione turned to see Adrian ready – his arms open. It made her giggle. Adrian wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her slightly, putting her closer to eye level with him. Hermione giggled again and held onto his shoulders.
"Thank you for agreeing to accompany me to the Ministry tomorrow," she grinned. "I appreciate you taking the time."
"There is no where I'd rather be, kitten," Adrian returned her grin. He loved the way her breasts felt pressed against his chest. He didn't want to let her go.
"Oi, Ades! Put her down," Marcus demanded from across the table. Adrian sighed, but complied with his friend's order.
Hermione made her way around the table to the largest wizard. Marcus didn't bother with a hug. He just leaned down and circled his arms under her bum, lifting her up and bringing her face a little higher than his own. Hermione shrieked with laughter and wrapped her legs around his torso to keep from falling.
"Remember, princess, I've got your back," Marcus said, squeezing her arse. "I'm not going to let anyone hurt you."
Hermione reached out and pressed her hand to his cheek. He leaned into it. Marcus adored the way this wisp of a witch felt, the warm satin of her skin against his.
"Thank you, Marcus," she said. "That means a lot to me."
"Maybe you should just come home with me," Marcus purred, making Hermione laugh again.
"Not tonight, Marcus," Hermione grinned. Marcus thought it over, nodded, and set her back down to her feet.
"Don't keep me waiting too long," Marcus growled, lightly smacking her arse as she walked over to Draco.
"He's a Neanderthal, that one," Draco chuckled. He pulled Hermione to him, enveloping her. She rested her cheek on his chest and Draco decided that she fit perfectly against him. She just felt right. "Remember what I said, it is all going to be okay. Everything will work out."
"I know, I know," she teased, still pressing her face into his chest. "If a Malfoy wills it, so must it be."
"Now you've got it," Draco pressed his lips against her forehead. He wanted so badly to really kiss her, to kiss those plump lips, but it wasn't the time. Hermione sighed.
"If you're all through pawing the poor witch…" Severus drawled. "We should take our leave. Malfoy, Pucey – meet us at the Ministry tomorrow at nine o'clock."
Severus reached out and pulled Hermione closer to him, not as close as the others had done – but close enough to tuck her arm into his. They walked out of the room and everyone heard the pop of Apparition a few moments later. All of them missed her to some extent, some feeling an acute ache that her absence seemed to cause.
Next - let's go to the ministry!