I have decided to make this the final chapter of this fic, i will write an epilogue to cover a few of the things that i've left wide open here but it won't answer everything as i would like to leave it open to write a sequel.
At this point i don't know when i will write the sequel as i have another fic i would like to write between now and then, but if you would like to, let me know if you want a sequel that continues on specifically with the Royal Triad or perhaps one more OC that follows on from the Consorts daughters and Bella and Minerva's daughter. Also want to know your opinion on sister-sister incest.
Epilogue should be up within the next week as it wont be as long as a usual chapter.
Reviews encouraged.
In the three and a half weeks since the triad had left on their quest things had escalated drastically in the magical world. Several people had outwardly spoken against the queen and her followers, people which either Bellatrix or Minerva had shot down almost immediately. They weren't nearly as outspoken anymore but there were a few. Minerva was quite fed up but didn't really know what she could do, there was no point arguing with them too much. Not when she had every faith Hermione would prove her worthiness as queen.
Aside from the general rabble-rousers Voldemort had also become more bold in his moves. He was jaded by being bested by a seventeen year old mudblood girl almost as much as he was that Harry had managed to kill him when he was only barely 1. So, there had been attacks on the Ministry, those inside aiding the death-eaters to get in. It was a calculated attack taking out most of, almost all of, the Aurors and at least half of the unspeakable's. With most of the fighting force being taken out taking the Ministry was easy enough. Bellatrix had rallied the Militia and had those available stationed in Hogsmead.
They had lost numbers though, during the taking of the Ministry. Mafalda and her husband had been killed along with Dirk and a few other lower level Ministry works. It was while Minerva was collecting their pendants that she realised Hermione had placed more charms than first expected. The pendant of each fallen militia now displayed the name of its wearer which made Minerva smile sadly, she would hang these where people could look and see who had sacrificed their lives for the war against the Dark Lord.
With the Ministry taken they knew it was only a matter of time before Hogwarts was attacked. More than a few people from Order or Militia had been stationed in Hogsmead. Amelia had been quite upset about Mafalda and found herself comforted by a rather, and perhaps surprisingly, receptive Rosmerta who had let her work out her frustrations and emotions between the innkeepers sheets with her. And once behind the bar after closing. Molly had also been stationed in Hogsmead as well as Tonks. It had offered Tonks the opportunity to really get to know Katie Bell who was, unfortunately, currently seeing someone. They did strike up a friendship though.
Now, three and a half weeks later the village had been taken and its residence had either apparated to parts unknown, or those choosing to fight, had retreated up into the castle. The Slytherins had been filtered to the kitchens along with the years 1st through 3rd and anyone who chose not to fight. There had been quite the stand off as the death-eaters attacked the wards around the castle. Dumbledor had, most shockingly, deserted the castle altogether. He had been rambling to Septima about not wanting to see anymore death, he had seen enough and was done or something. Minerva honestly had hoped they might redeem their friendship one day but the thought of that went out the window with Albus.
With Albus gone and the Wards failing things were left to Minerva as the Deputy Headmistress. Hogwarts defences had been activated and moves made to force the death-eaters only into the surrounding castle grounds from the one direction. Bottle-necking them Seamus had stated. Then came the ultimatums, Voldemort had no idea the 'filth-queen' as he labelled her, wasn't there, and so had asked she and Harry be delivered to him. Most had retorted by calling the man? An idiot but others had laughed which just seemed to enrage him. Now it was all out war.
Minerva was in the front of the castle by the entrance along with several others, most of them students along with Rolanda who refused to leave Ginny and Aurora, who was rather reluctant to leave Molly Weasley which Minerva had not seen coming at all. Luna and Pansy, plus Neville, Dean, Collin, Cho and Marietta were standing with Minerva fighting along side her. The worst part was perhaps the amount of beasts fighting against them. Giants had swarmed almost an hour ago and the wolves had been tearing through the place at a rapid pace taking out adults and children alike. Many of them fell, how ever, as students quickly realised they could not simply disarm but would have to kill their enemy if they wished to survive.
The blood and death through the school, soaking the stones of the castle was terrifying but they could not, would not turn over a comrade. The students were fierce and relentless and refused out right to lay down their wands. The great hall was set up as a medical bay for the injured, many people who were too injured to fight were taken to or made their way there. Those where able to assess and heal were rallied to help Poppy and Pomona and several students had been sent to the potions lab to look for or brew pain potions and replenishing potions.
They were hours into the battle and had been pushed back into the lower levels of the building, as an unspoken rule the infirmary, or this case the Great Hall, was not attacked or infiltrated. The Death-eaters didn't have much but there was no honor in killing the sick and injured. The side of light had been surrounded and pushed back into taking cover and being far more defensive than offensive which was when Voldemort had chosen to give them a final ultimatum.
"Give me, Granger and Potter and the rest of you will live. Refuse me and I will be sure to destroy you all." He stated confident that at this point they would do as he had requested. You could only deny the Dark Lord for so long.
"I'm not sure you deserve them." Luna called from her spot between Ginny and Luna.
"Right. I mean you had the Queen, literally, in the palm of your hand." Ginny piped up from her spot just slightly in front of Rolanda.
"She killed the werewolf and stupified you in the same second." Pansy called for all to hear.
"Silence! She simply got lucky." Voldemort didn't hear how childish he sounded.
"Maybe. I mean the Queen is good, brilliant. Potter is a slightly better duellist though. How do you intend to take on both the Queen and Harry?" Rolanda added as the masses, not including the death-eaters, nodded.
It was well enough known that this was the final stand, it ended here as there would be no walking away. So when Voldemort, enraged, began attacking again it was no real surprise at all. It was on again but the light held their ground, held the castle until Ron and Harry showed back up. Neville had definitely thrown his lot in with the Queen, especially after learning that Bellatrix had managed to restore his parents to their old selves, but he was also Harry's friend. When Harry told them that the snake had to be killed they didn't question it.
Bellatrix had managed to destroy both the locket and the chalice over the years but the others, the diary, ring and diadem had been destroyed by Harry and Dumbledor. Bellatrix may well have been one of the first to learn about the Horcuxes, it was one of the perks of being one of the Dark Lords trusted. He had no idea when she had destroyed them that it had even been her and she had practically done it right under her nose. She was thankful that she was quite adept with Fiendfyre or she may not have been able to.
They were hours in and wearing down, at the end of their rope. Minerva was feeling at a loss. She didn't know what to do at this point though she refused to give up. She fought for her students, for their lives and for her witch and their unborn child. She fought for the queen she wished so desperately would arrive to save them. The death-eaters were practically laughing now, thrilled with their success and their obvious victory. It was almost assured for them at this point, except that made an unexpectedly terribly mistake.
Out of the skies, ripping through and destroying the dark mark floating above the castle, came a massive and terrifying bird the likes of which had never been seen. The bird dipped low and ran razor sharp talons through men and women alike, any who stood with the dark lord. Astride the massive creature stood none other than Fleur Delacour wielding her wand in one hand and a sword in the other. On the second dive Fleur leaped from the back of the bird and slashed a death-eater just not quite fast enough to get out of the way.
Standing proud Fleur faced their enemies with a stern expression on her face, on her left wrist was what looked to be a white leather bracer. Minerva knew, was perhaps the only one who did know, what the item was and her heart leaped. The Queen and her consorts had completely their quest, they were worthy. The massive bird dropped down and landed not too far from Fleur and trilled as, out of the gathering mist around the battle site, four large creatures strode. A massive fox, a larger hound and even larger still, two wolves. One black one white.
The massive creatures came to stop along side the large bird, shaking heads and ruffs and baring teeth at their enemies. From the back of the white wolf slid Narcissa, a bracer matching Fleur's on her left arm as well. A sword was sheathed at her hip, a fine and elegant blade, she stood proud as her veela love and stepped up beside her a small gap between the two. Hermione dropped elegantly from the back of the fox and like Fleur, her sword was in hand and it was immediately recognised. There was no mistaking that blade and what it meant, it was taught to the magical community from a young age but had been so long out of sight it was becoming as much a legend to witches and wizards as it already was to non-magical people.
Minerva noticed again that the little witch had a bracer the same as her mates had and smiled, they would have realised what they were the moment they were put on. Standing as proud as her queens beside her Hermione face the crowed, what was left anyway. Voldemort was scowling, or so it was assumed, he didn't have the most expressive face, what with no nose and no eyebrows. The others looked torn between fear for Hermione and fear of the Dark Lord. Hermione stepped forward and gestured to the dark forces.
"Step aside and let Harry face the Dark Lord. An honorable duel." Hermione called and Harry strode forward eagerly though the death-eaters were yet to move.
"Honorable? You cut down our numbers to a mere dozen and you want an honorable fight?" It was Lucius Malfoy, the usual sneer written over his face.
"If you do not think a queen coming to the defence of her people is honor, Lucius then I hate to think what you perceive as honorable." Narcissa retorted. She was frustrated with his mere presence.
"Step aside. I will duel the boy and then we will finish taking the castle. I personally wish to execute the queen." Voldemort sneered but stepped back when the large animals behind the queens snarled at him. They clearly disagreed.
The death-eaters finally did as they were bid and stepped aside clearing a large space for the two wizards to duel. Harry and Voldemort squared up presented wands and bowed, Voldemort's was too low and obviously insincere though Harry, noble at heart, showed respect to his opponent. Voldemort laughed madly and the duel was on. Reds and greens, yellows and blues flashed through the air, blocked and dodged over and over. While the duel was going on Nagini had been released from her wards and was slithering silently towards the queens.
Before the little snake could get far though it caught the Roc's eye and the massive bird tittered almost canary-like and, despite its massive size, fluttered forward and simply snipped the snakes head off. Voldemort looked over at the bird outraged and almost without missing a beat cast a killing curse at the bird. It hit the elegant creature in the breast and dissipated with no effect, magic could not kill this bird. Furious the Dark Lord redoubled his efforts on the tiring Harry until minutes later the green bolt of light that could mean none other than the killing curse hit Harry in the chest.
There was silence as the young man fell to his knees and slowly dropped forward face down on the cobblestones at the bottom of the steps at the entrance to the castle. The silence lingered and then Voldemort cackled turned malicious eyes to the queen. She could see it in his eyes, his murderous intent directed solely at her, and lifted her sword. The creatures leaped into action the same moment that death-eaters lifted their wands to attack the triad. Fleur and Narcissa arched off helping the beasts in dispatching the last of the death-eaters. Harry was subtly levitated out of the way and taken into the castle. No one else interfered, interest and surprise keeping them from moving.
Suddenly spell after spell was thrown at Hermione from Voldemort, she dodged and blocked as many as she could but if she didn't do anything he would get the best of her. Then she realised what she needed to do and turned the blade in her hand a little. Voldemort cast a disarming charm as Hermione had hoped and she blocked it with the flat of her blade, Caliburn, and the spell bounced back at Voldemort. As the man blocked it Hermione pointed her wand and grit her teeth, wordlessly casting the torture curse and dropping Voldemort to his knees with a hideous scream. The wand dropped from his fingers and rolled out of reach.
The last death-eater fell, Lucius downed by his ex-wife, and the on-lookers stared in shocked wonder as Hermione cast yet another crucio on the Dark Lord. The beasts formed a semi circle around the queen as her mates stood back behind her silently. Hermione let the man breathe for a moment before casting it again and the screams again were wrenched from the dark lord. When she let up the man was limp panting heavily curled up on the ground looking at Hermione with wet eyes.
"This world has no place for men like you Tom. Men who thinks his blood runs cleaner than mine, than any muggle-borns. Did your followers know you were nothing but an unwanted Half-blood? Or did you have them fooled into thinking you were a pure-blood?" Hermione asked, her voice firm and clear as she spoke to the man.
"Filth... you cannot destroy me." Voldemort was defiant even with tears and sweat coating his skin. Even curled and panting in the dirt.
"You're wrong, Tom. See all of your soul shards are gone, even the one inside Harry, the one you just destroyed." Hermione pointed out almost enjoying the look of surprise on the Dark Lords face.
"Then just kill me." He bellowed at her and it was satisfying above all else that he begged for a quick death.
"Do you deserve it, Tom? A quick and easy death? After all that you have done. Killing and torturing anyone who stood against you, anyone who didn't fit into your regime. How many muggle-born and muggle sympathisers have you kill Tom? Too man to count. No... if I were like you Tom, i'd torture you first. A minute for each life you too or had taken for your name." Hermione shook her head a little thinking of the waste of life.
"Would that not be adequate? A slow and painful death as penance for all the pain you have caused over the years? A foolish little boy who did not get the attention he wanted, you are still that boy Tom. Still small and weak and unable to handle being picked on because you're unusual and your family doesn't want you enough to hang around. You are still that little boy because no man would do what you have done simply for power. No man would do it and expect to succeed." Hermione stated and Voldemort attempted to get to his feet.
"Only a little boy that wanted love above all else would become an adult that thought love was a myth, a weakness. Do you die on your feet Tom? With your last scrap of pride or do you die on your knees? Like filth." Hermione knew she was goading him but he lurched to his feet and snarled at her before jerking forward.
He had forgotten one factor in his plan to, perhaps choke, the little witch. Caliburn though in her hand at her side, had been pointing at him the entire time. Instinctively Hermione lifted her hand and struck forward, it was just as much his own doing as it had been Hermione's, when the legendary sword pierced his chest and impaled him deeply. Voldemort stopped suddenly, shocked, and looked down at the sword piercing his chest. He knew Caliburn, or of Caliburn, and knew there was no way to heal this kind of wound. Not from that blade.
"You could have had love, Tom. You could have had family and a long life. You were never given it, but you had the choice to try and make it for yourself." Hermione spoke softer now, sympathetic and compassionate.
"Please... don't let me die alone." Tom pleaded softly, only Hermione and her queens could hear.
Hermione regarded the man for a moment, his eyes no longer cold but full of regret, remorse and sorrow. Of pleading. Swiftly she pulled the sword free and when the dying man stumbled forward she wrapped her right arm around him, catching him and gently lowering them both to the ground. Voldemort's breathing became wet sounding and blood coated his white lips as he looked up at Hermione. The little witch sat with the Dark Lord, her sword set beside her as she stroked his cheek until his final, rattling, breath left his body.
Slowly, and gently, she lay him down on the stones and stood with her sword in hand and her wand now sheathed in the bracer of her left arm. She had no need to look around for a rag to wipe her blade as the fox trotted up and nuzzled her gently before offering what was once a death eaters cloak. Hermione smiled gently and took the cloth wiping off the blade of Caliburn, she was just about to sheath it when the others, those able, came out of the castle and stood staring shocked at the young witch.
"Is that... is that what it looks like? Like truly?" It was Lee Jordan, shock written across his eyes.
"It is Caliburn, or Excalibur for those of you who only know the muggle version of the tale." Narcissa spoke stepping up beside the young brunette. The large beasts had moved closer to the queens.
"Also Clarent and Joyeuse. Noble blades now held by noble women. Held by your queens." The large black wolf spoke, clearly, startling everyone for a moment before they looked back to the Royals and, surprisingly, one by one dropped to their knees in a show of respect. The beasts behind, older and wiser than most dipped their heads in respect.
"Indeed. It is quite the tale of how we came upon them and it will be told in time. For now, our dead need to be retrieved and our injured tended too." Hermione spoke clearly, but gently.
"Of course Your Highness. But perhaps brief introductions?" Bellatrix had come out of the castle when the bird had began its attacks.
"Of course. This is Lupa, the legendary she-wolf who suckled Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome." Fleur explained clearly gesturing the large white she-wolf.
"This fine pup is Fenris, said to be the monster wolf from Old Norse folk tales that would one day kill Odin and in turn be killed by Odin's son. An immortal wolf long ago imprisoned by use of Gleipnir, a silk ribbon crafted from seven supposedly impossible things." Narcissa spoke running her fingers through the large black wolfs incredibly soft fur.
"These are Cadmean and Laelaps. A fox impossible to catch and the hound tasked to capture her." Hermione introduced and the two beasts inclined their heads again.
"This impressive boy is Roc, originates from middle-eastern folk tales and hasn't been seen in millennia." Fleur moved over the to the massive bird which trilled gladly at the sight of her and dipped his massive head to gently nibble her shoulder.
The surrounding people stared utterly impressed with what they were seeing, the massive creatures so large frightening were seemingly so respectable and calm. Yet none of them were fool enough to think the animals couldn't bisect them with a single snap of jaws or beak, that much had been seen. The while wolf trotted closer to Hermione and dipped down onto her stomach and pressed her nose to the little witch. They witnessed the she-wolf whine softly and wag her tail gently as the young queen turned and rubbed her ear. The wolf was large enough to swallow Hermione whole yet treated her as gentle as she would a pup.
"My Queen. We will help out here." Lupa speaks softly and Hermione smiles and nods.
"Thank you, my friends. Make any wounded a priority but please be sure any you are unsure of do not have a wand in reach." Hermione says to the animals who all nod before running off to different parts of the castle grounds.
"Now, let us tend our wounded and gather our dead." Hermione turned back to the crowd of familiar faces. The group immediately dispersed to do as need but Bella and Molly moved over to Hermione and the consorts.
The two women fussed over them, checking for injuries and such, Bella may actually have been worse than Molly but Hermione would never tell either witch that. Fleur brushed Bella off with a smile and a huffed reassurance before moving into the castle to help with recovery. Narcissa went straight to the Great hall, she was after all, rather adept at healing spells and was sure she could lend a hand. Just quietly she was also worried about Draco and wished to find out if he was safe or not. Hermione let the women continue to fuss for a few more minutes before she cleared her throat.
"I am fine, and I will tell you everything later. Things need to be done here. Also I... I would like Tom to be... I want his ashes." Hermione says looking down at the fallen mad man.
"You what?" Bella frowned down at the finally removed threat.
"Please, Bella." Hermione knows the woman had heard her.
Reluctantly the raven haired witch nodded and promised she would take care of it herself before calling one of the elves to take the Dark Lords body to one of the safe houses. Molly went off to help with the injured which left Hermione to join the others with retrieval and recovery of bodies. They all worked tirelessly, Mediwitches arrived from St Mungos when the battle was over and a few remaining battle able people, lead by the newly revived Harry and Ron, returned to the Ministry of magic to reclaim the sight for Light.
They worked for hours, well into the night, gathering the dead by faction and healing the wounded, stabilising them so they could be moved to St Mungos. The massive animals were gentle with the wounded and dead alike, piling the dead by faction and gently carrying the wounded one by one to the Great Hall. Eventually late in the night the classrooms that werent destroyed were made into temporary dorms, tables and chairs transfigured into bunks and cots for the weary until only a few remained working tirelessly through the night. Two of the sleeping masses were Narcissa and Fleur, curled up on a cot together with the rest of the living occupying the castle. Hermione had checked on them before going back out to the almost empty Great Hall.
There were very few injured left in the Hall and they were mostly the least at risk ones, those who needed a wound cleaned and bandaged. Hermione stood at the door, Cadmean, the smallest of the beasts, standing at her side. The vixen made a soft sound that might have been akin to sorrow as she looked over the blood stained and blast ruined space that was once the vast Great Hall. Hermione felt similarly about it and reached out to grip the fox's soft fur. Cadmean shifted closer to the Queen, she would normally seek comfort from Laelaps but with the hound outside she sought it from her queen.
"Will you return to Avalon?" Hermione asks softly the great Fox who pricks her ears forward and looks at the Queen.
"We wish to stay with our Queens." Cadmean returns gently her ears laying back in an adorably affectionate expression.
"Sweet Vixen, you are free now. You can come and go as you please." Hermione reminds gently.
"Of course, we are free because you and Queens Narcissa and Fleur had the compassion to free us knowing nothing about us." Cadmean pointed out softly.
"All I saw was countless fun loving animals bound to a magical place. I saw no reason not to grant you the freedom to chose if you came or went." Hermione rubbed the large soft ear.
"And that is why we follow you, Your Highness. You freed animals larger than any you had seen, animals tied to gruesome tales. You trust us and so you and your consorts have earned our loyalty." Fenris spoke from behind them and the two turned, the entrance hall was just about nothing but rubble and managed to hold the other three quadrupeds. The Roc was perched on a pile of rubble just outside.
"I thank you for that, respect you for it. You have no reason to follow someone so easily chomped in half. You have my utmost respect but I do not expect you to tie yourselves to me, I didn't expect it when we chose to free you." Hermione smiles at the group of beasts, the few still in the hall had approached the gathering of queen and beasts.
"It is part of what makes you an incredible Queen, your obvious selflessness and your desire to please people. Especially your mates." Lupa had her ears dropped down to the sides her eyes shining affectionately. She was a feirce wolf with a gentle soul.
"They mean the world to me." Hermione says gently a small smile on her face as the creatures tails wagged happily.
"Of course, and they should. They bare pups for you." Laelaps adds from her spot laying on the ruined floor of the entrance hall. Cadmean trotted over and nuzzled her.
"Yes they do." Hermione grinned fondly at the reminder of that.
"And you let them fight?! See Min... You could have let me..." Bellatrix gasped at her lover.
"Yeah well they hardly fought at all and had giant animals watching over them." Minerva spoke petulantly and folded her arms. "Wait... you guys are pregnant?"
"Yes, Cissy and Fleur are." Hermione beamed as her friends faces lit up.
There were congratulations call around for the young queen, both on her victory and her unborn heirs. Hermione mostly shrugged it off in regard to the victory but she was over the moon about the babies. The day that Minerva and Bellatrix had arrived to send the queen on their quest they had given their birthday gifts. Minerva had gifted them a magically pain free tattoo, an infinite Celtic not. They had agreed it was best warn as an armband and had allowed Minerva to magically bind it to them. Bellatrix had gifted them three small vials of her invention that allowed her and Minerva to get pregnant.
It had been talked about a couple of days into their trip into wild yonder, while on their quest that they struggled to figure out, that Hermione was still quite young and not ready to actually have a child but after Fleur and Narcissa both expressed their desire to become mothers. Well Hermione wouldn't refuse her witches a thing and so she had taken one of the vials of potion, grew her rather impressive member and had enjoyed a rather lovely three hours taking and experimenting with her lovers. They had enjoyed that evening and in their magically extended tent, in a thankfully quite comfortable bed by a central fire and they didn't and wouldn't regret a moment of it.
"Thank you, everyone. Really. But now I was thinking of going to the kitchens to see if we can't scratch together some food for those that remained at the castle for in the morning?" Hermione suggested finally and Luna, who had been there with Pansy all night, smiled blissfully at the idea.
"Oh that sounds like a lovely idea." Luna breathed already tugging Pansy and Hermione out the door.
"We will remain here, I believe Roc was gathering dropped wands." Fenris spoke softly, his tone amused, as the queen was dragged off by her friends.
"Thank you, guys." Hermione before she was pulled out of sight.
Minerva, Bellatrix, Molly and Aurora, along with Severus and Septima, who had been helping with the injured instead of fighting, followed along behind the younger witches at a slower pace. They checked in on the sleeping people through out the two classrooms. Molly had frowned the entire way to the kitchen before rounding on the three teenagers there. It was as if they felt the woman was scowling in their direction because Pansy and Luna practically cowered behind the young Queen who rolled her eyes at them before smirking at Molly.
"Stick your head in did you?" Hermione asked smirking and Molly scowled deeper.
"Why is my daughter wrapped in Rolanda Hooche's arms?" Molly asked sternly, Hermione could see Minerva whip around out the corner of her eye and nearly laughed.
"I'd say because they have talked about their feelings for one another." Hermione retorted and could see both Molly and Minerva's expressions darken so she continued.
"And they just went through a high risk, life or death situation that probably rattled them a little so they are comforting one another by sleeping together. Just sleeping Minerva." Hermione added the last when it looked like the now doubt future Headmistress was going to protest.
"How long have they been together like this?" Molly asked her frown lessening, she was about to begrudge her daughter finding love in a time like this. The age difference may have bothered her if not for the fact Hermione was seeing Narcissa.
"Probably about as long as yourself and Professor Sinistra." Luna spoke up feeling considerably less like she were about to get scolded. Hermione and Pansy both had to bite back a laugh at the intense red that flooded Molly's cheeks. It was harder to tell with her skin tone but considering the way Aurora went back to buttering slices of bread it was fairly obvious she was blushing as well.
The conversation was officially over and they got to work making dozens of sandwiches, finding a bag of oats and helping the returning elves make large cauldrons of boiled oats. It was very early morning when they started so they were done well before dawn so the ever energetic Bellatrix suggested they try and tidy the Great Hall in the hopes if they work together they could all eat there when the others were up. Minerva had tried to get the mother of her unborn child to rest but Bellatrix wouldn't have it.
They managed to get rid of most of the stains but the best they could do with the rubble was move it off to the side. Minerva had plans to magically 'heal' all the stonework in the castle but that meant a long time and a lot of hard work. Hermione had naturally offered up her help with the task and the help of her lovers if they so chose which she imagined they would. The others all agreed readily and they got on with their task, repairing the tables and cleaning them off before working on the benches. Come sunrise they were done and spread out laying across the benches. Minerva was sitting with Bella sitting leaning into her while Hermione lay with her head on Bella's thigh while Bella played with her hair.
"So... will you tell us now?" Minerva asks curiously.
"Shortly. Just wait for it..." Hermione mumbles with a smirk on her face.
Bellatrix was about to ask what they were waiting for when suddenly a loud howl rattled through the castle. The unsuspecting witches all jumped slightly startled but Hermione just chuckled. The sleeping people in the temporarily re-purposed classrooms all startled even worse but most dozed off trying to get some more sleep when a second howl ripped through the quiet of dawn. Fleur and Narcissa were the first two to get up, Narcissa a lot more lively than Fleur as the blonde was really not a morning person at all.
Hermione was still laying, now with her eyes closed, with Bella playing with her hair when the first newly woken people started to trickle into the hall and take a seat. Fleur was dragged in by Narcissa and the two stumbled over to Hermione and bent down to kiss her lightly on the lips. Well Narcissa did, Fleur climbed on top of the small witch and, regardless of the sword that had been resting between Hermione's legs, curled up on top of her. Hermione might have complained but she loved her witches too much.
"Now?" Molly asked after it seemed like everyone was sitting at the table and elves had used their magic to transfer the simply breakfast items to the tables of the Great Hall. Hermione smiled.
"Alright. Well it happened like this..."
It had been a week, an entire week of reading through partially decrypted journals of a man they never even knew. An Unspeakable so who even knew what his job was. Mafalda had suspected it was the time travel and all that but who knew for sure. They had barely made heads or tails of it except that a lot of clues lead to a place called Somerset in England. They had been camped out in Somerset for a week before Hermione made a connection. There were so many references to the worthy in the journal that it almost embarrassed Hermione that it took so long.
She had been in the middle of a heated make out session with Narcissa when it hit her, if it had been anyone else Narcissa would have been annoyed but since it was Hermione and her mind always worked a mile a minute it was just amusing. The little brunette had pulled back with shining eyes and said she needed to find a book. Fleur laughed from where she was making a stew for the three of them by the fire. Hermione faltered and cast an apologetic look at Narcissa who just chuckled and waved her on. Hermione pulled out a book she had been reading and nodded, it was a book of notable architecture.
"Merlin! I know why we are here." Hermione gushed easily and Fleur pressed into her back to look over her littlest loves shoulder.
"Glastonbury Abbey?" Fleur inquired looking at the writing. Narcissa practically bounded over.
"Arthurian Legend? Are you serious? It's told as a fable now." Narcissa commented looking over Hermione's other shoulder.
"Yes. It's said in Bode's journal that there should be a hidden glyph under true thorn, carved in the worthy stone. Its got to be Arthurian. How else do we prove our worth as queens if not for finding Merlin's charges sword? The sword in the stone." Hermione says like it should be obvious.
"That's great baby, but how do you get that from Bode's scribbling?" Narcissa asks moving back to sit on one of the chairs around the table.
"Because of what they say. I don't know about the glyph but true thorn? It must mean Glastonbury Thorn, it's unusual before it flowers twice yearly instead of once like most thorn bushes. Worthy stone I would suspect is part of the stone Excalibur was stuck in. We should go check it out." Hermione stood as if she fully planned to do just that and Fleur scowled.
"Sit! We are 'aving dinner and going to bed. We will look in ze morning." Fleur stated firmly and Hermione had no choice but to obey. She certainly pouted about it though.
She didn't pout for long though. They spoke about Hermione's theories on what they were after and why they were there at the village. Hermione might well have rambled all night if not for her witches diversionary tactics. Still, even after a tiring night of love making, the little brunette beat sun up. Making breakfast for her witches quietly she let them sleep a little longer, knowing all too well that she would get more out of them if they slept well, she was eager but she wasn't rude. Hermione was reading when her witches woke up, they had teased her lightly and then enjoyed being naked together for a short while. Hermione had a very hard time reading her book and ended up calling them distracting wenches before joining them.
When they did finally get up and have breakfast its about mid morning. They ate, bathed and dressed before changing into their slightly less conspicuous animagus forms and set off to Glastonbury Abbey. They sniffed around the outbuildings and Fleur lead them from thorn bush to thorn until finally right on dark they found the rune. It was old and none of them could translate it so Hermione conjured ink, quill and parchment from the tent and copied it out on the parchment so she could study it back at the camp.
She spent the follow day and half of the next trying to figure out what the rune meant, not allowing herself to be distracted by the lovely mates she had, who tried very hard mind you, if only to get her to sleep. Hermione had always been particularly driven when she had something to figure out. It wasnt until the next day that she finally worked it out. It was a old, rarely used and hardly known rune, an amalgamation of two old runes even. One rune translated to shimmering and the other two open door. The thorn bush was just under one of the few remaining solid chisel stone walls.
Hermione had gone, later that day and with her mates, back to the wall and looked at the rune again. She was certain she was right but there was no sign of any door there. She was still thinking about it when Fleur pulled her wand and cast a simple revealing spell at the wall in front of them. Grinning smuggly at her two stunned witches Fleur stepped through the shimmering arch way that was now taking up residence on the wall. Narcissa frowned and stepped in after her before Hermione could even be annoyed at her witches for not being more cautious.
When Hermione did step through it was to come face to face with a massive black wolf that had been snarling at her witches with a furious glint in its eyes. The curious thing was that the wolf wasnt advancing any closer though it looked like it wanted too. Hermione tilted her head and caught sight of the a tiny thin ribbon extending from the wolf's neck to a large stone slab. It went off like a light bulb in her head and she looked back at the wolf.
"Fenrir." Hermione states firmly and the wolf halts completely.
His lips drop to cover his teeth removing his snarl and the large ears perk forward as he turned his attention fully to the smallest witch before him. Hermione regarded him with gentle eyes and noticed his own softening as he looked back. He could tell that his one was special, this one and the two with her were... they were worthy. Slowly he opened his maw and watched the youngest witch curiously. He might have howled with joy when she lifted her hand almost without hesitation. Hermione barely had her hand past his sharp teeth when it was joined by the right hands of her lovers beside her.
Slowly the wolf closed his maw over the three witches hands, his teeth gently scraping the soft skin of their arms before releasing them and dropping to his stomach. Fleur and Narcissa looked a little uncertain, unsure of what was going on but they trusted their witch and she trusted the wolf. Hermione walked boldly to the wolfs side and inspected the ribbon around his neck. The knot looked intense and she doubted her ability to get it untied so she went to the rock and checked there. The knot was less so at the rock and she managed, after some struggling to get it open before she went back to the wolf and looked it around and round his neck until it resembled a collar.
"I do not collar you, do not get me wrong, but I cannot untie the impossible knot here." She explained when she noticed the wolf's ears drop.
"All the creatures here are collared." The wolf spoke softly. "I was just the only one with a tether."
"He speaks?" Fleur asked finally speaking.
"I do. All the animals but one are able to speak here." Fenris explains to the blonde witch.
"What animal?" Narcissa couldn't help moving over and snuggling the wolf, he was gorgeous and didn't seem to mind her affections at all.
"Roc." He retorted looking at the sky. Fleur looked up and saw the massive bird high above and grinned.
Hermione very briefly contemplated breaking Fleur's arms as the blonde didn't hesitate to change into the eagle form and fly up to get closer to the massive bird. The Roc dipped suddenly but the fear that had balled in their stomach was soon replaced by relief when it became apparent that the large bird was just happy to have a kindred spirit to play with. When they were sure that the giant bird didn't mean any harm for the little eagle they turned back to the wolf who Narcissa was still petting gently.
"What other animals are there?" Hermione inquired.
"There are several large snakes, Cadmean vixen and her hound dog Laelaps and my mate Lupa. There is a stag with golden antlers and even a pheonix. Horses that were once flesh eating, or more so forced to eat the flesh of man. None of us truly need to feed. There is a flock of sheep with golden wool watched over by a lion. There are many of us." Fenrir spoke before finally sitting back up and letting out a loud howl.
Roc swooped down and landed close by, Fleur fluttered down and perched on the massive birds furled wing, the big bird trilled at the little one who trilled back. Hermione thought it was rather sweet, Fleur had explained not long after taking her animagus form the first time though even though Veela were very bird like she also just had a really serious like for the avian variety. A large snake came next but she hissed harshly at Roc and slithered over behind Hermione as if that would help it some how.
"This is Hel, she is one of two though her brother will no doubt be asleep somewhere." Fenris spoke looking at the wolf.
"Isss thisss the worthy one?" The snake asks looking curiously at the little brunette.
"It is yet to be seen, though they are the first to step through and recognise me. The little one freed me from the stone." Fenris explained and the snake moved curling once around Hermione and then nuzzling her.
"Many thankssss, Fenrissss hasss been sssstuck here for hundredssss of yearsssss." Hel spoke in her slow way.
"You're welcome." Hermione smoothed her hand over the snakes snout before the serpent released her.
By the time Hermione could see past the great snake a large stag, a great hound and a smaller yet still massive fox were standing there looking at them. Fleur had returned to the ground and was standing beside Narcissa. The little fox bounced over to Hermione and sniffed her before letting out a delighted little sound. Laelaps how ever had sniffed at Fleur and Narcissa and began wagging her tail happily.
"They're in pup." The hound said happily.
"A hounds nose never lies." Cadmean might have purred if she was of the feline variety.
They had known, of course, since Bella explained it was a hundred percent going to work but having it confirmed especially so soon after made the queens incredibly happy. They smile and Fleur and Narcissa embraced one another as the fox gently nosed at Hermione who rubbed her muzzle. They were given a moment to bask in the happiness of the moment before the stag gently pawed the ground and stepped forward, he inclined his head at Hermione who returned the gesture respectfully.
"Shall we take them to the sacred grove?" The stag asked looking to Fenris, it appeared all the animals deferred to him.
"Please, friend. We shall see if they are worthy." Fenris inclined his head and the stag trotted off ahead of them.
"Dibs on the baby fox." Cadmean spoke seriously and lay down flat and looked at Hermione.
"You best get on, she will just sit there and whine if you don't." Laelaps spoke rolling her big gentle eyes.
Hermione smiled and climbed up between the smallish yet still gigantic foxes shoulders and held onto a tuft of soft fur. Fenris dropped back to his belly and urged the queen's consorts to climb onto his back. When the witches were mounted on their unusual steeds they all turned and trotted at a brisk pace after the stag. Hel slithered back off to find her brother and spread the news while Roc returned to the skies, watching over their travels.
It was only then that Hermione really comprehended the fact they had stepped through what was obviously a portal, perhaps to a different time or maybe even a different realm. She would have to ask when she was done looking around and taking in the wonders of the place. There were other wolves, still large but much smaller than Fenris. Bears, massive bears grazing some of the juiciest looking berries. More deer than Hermione could count and nothing in this place was of standard size. It was all massive and almost terrifying if it wasn't so beautiful, so breath taking.
They were still on their way, shortening the distance at a ground eating place, when Hermione caught sight of something. It was a small stone castle, it had a tower on its left side that stood taller than the trees surrounding it but it wasn't a large castle by most standards. Big enough for a small number of inhabitants but not the hundreds that castles used to house when living in them was popular for the lord and ladies of different countries and regions. She must have been staring at it quite hard or something, maybe she spoke, because Cedmean had pulled to a halt and yipped at her companions to do the same.
"That is the home of the queen's who brought us here. We have not seen them for many years." Fenris explained and gestured that they make their way to the structure.
"Why did they bring you all here?" Narcissa asked curiously, she was comfortably leaning into Fleur between Fenris' shoulders.
"Most of us were bought here by our request, for safety as the humans began to change and follow new religions and beliefs that did not welcome creatures like us. Others were brought here against our will, to protect this island realm and what it stands for. To protect the queens." Fenris explains, it takes no time to make it to the castle and Hermione eagerly slides from the foxes back.
"Be careful little ones. We know not what lies within the castles walls." A second wolf, this one just slightly smaller than Fenris and white furred, approached and nuzzled into Fenris.
"She is right. This is my mate Lupa. Please be careful." Fenris explained and Lupa wagged her tail slightly.
"We will be careful." Hermione promised as he witches joined her on the ground.
They turned and made their way into the castle the doors opening silently. A tingle ran through each of them as they passed through a ward. They stood and let their skin smooth back out from the gooseflesh that had covered it and Hermione pulled her wand casting a Lumos so they could see. Facing them stood three ghosts of women they had never seen before and suddenly the candles and lanterns throughout the castle lit themselves. The women regarded the ghosts and Hermione dropped her wand back to her side.
"Welcome. I assume one of you are here to prove your worth to rule. What is your name young queen?" The ghost in the middle asks curiously, a tilt to her head.
"My name is Hermione Granger and my consorts, Fleur Delacour and Narcissa Black." Hermione returned graciously.
"Hello Hermione. My name is Morgana le Fey, and my own consorts Circe and Alexandra."
"As in Circe? The woman who turned men into animals?" Narcissa asked suddenly grinning which in turn had the blonde ghost grinning as well.
"The one and only. They were so much more appealing as actual beasts." Circe retorted with her nose in the air.
"Oh no, I can relate." Narcissa nodded sympathetically.
"So you're Morgana le Fey, obviously but you... Alexandra... What era?" Hermione asked curiously looking at the red head.
"Trojan." Replied the red headed ghost a smirk on her lips.
"Oh. Cassanrda? Daughter of the king of Troy? Priam?" Hermione asks, she really probably read too much.
"Oo, I like this one. She is the first to ever know me." Alexandra speaks happily looking at Morgana.
"Well, if you both like them so much... should we perhaps give them a good luck gift?" Morgana suggests placatingly. It seemed her witches liked the living before them and she had always appreciated those with a brilliant mind.
"What do you have in mind wife?" Circe purred to Morgana.
"Perhaps our bracers? Maybe they would have use of the guardians seeing as how the creatures brought them here." Morgana offered and her wives smiled and nodded.
"I hope you do not mind prying them from our dead bodies but the wolves Fenris and Lupa as well the Roc, Teumessian fox and Laelaps the house are bound to the bracers we wore." Alexardra explains to the trio of living witches.
"You owe us nothing." Hermione says gently to the witches before them.
"When most who have come through here over the years were offered a gift they jumped at the chance." Morgana tilted her head before turning and leading her wives and the three living witches deeper into the castle.
Hermione wondered at some of the artefacts she saw, Morgana explained that most were symbolic and useless from different times and eras but that some were quite helpful and useful. When they made it to the top of the tower it was to find that it was a master bedroom and Hermione was pleasantly surprised to see the ceiling was enchanted like the one in the Great Hall. She rather thought the place was beautiful and perfect for the three deceased occupants. On the canopy bed lay three witches embracing and on their left arms they wore light colored leather bracers and within them were crude wands.
When urged Hermione moved forward and removed the bracer from Morgana's arm and place the wand on the table beside the bed before moving back. Narcissa went next taking the bracer from Circes arm and placing the wand beside Morgana's on the table and finally Fleur took the wand from Alexandra's arm and the wand again on the other side of Morgana's. Morgana had explained that the room was magically preserved as were its occupants. Hermione thought it was rather a good idea especially in this place.
"I'm not sure where this is, Morgana." Hermione prompts gently as they made their way back to the entrance of the small castle.
"Well its Avalon of course." Morgana explained going on to explain that Avalon had been a magical realm created by Merlin centuries ago and its entrance tethered to a secret magical rune.
It was also explained that Magic was very basic and not so easily taught as it was now, they did not use spell words to channel their magic they simply thought it with intent and it would happen. Later it was channelled through wands made of living wood that could withstand a magical blast. Morgana had found and learned of Avalon before her brothers death but had learned when she intended to bring him to Avalon that the dead cannot cross into this realm. It made sense to Hermione then, that the Glastonbury Monk perhaps truly did find the bones of Arthur and his wife Guinevere.
"You should know, it wont be as simple as pulling the sword from the stone. The stone is guarded by a manticore, if he allows you to pass you will then have to walk through black water. The water will judge your worth before the stone ever does. If you are unworthy you will be burned badly. And as you may know, the stone will only release the sword to a worthy king or queen." Morgana explains before the witches step out of the castle.
"We would like, for your consorts to receive another gift from us. It may be a little preemptive but we have confidence in your worth. You feel better than the rest." Circe explains moving to the large fireplace where two swords hung above.
"The blades, Clarent The sword of peace and Joyeuse, a French nobleman's sword that magically balances itself depending on who wields it." Alexandra informed as she joined Circe by the fire.
Graciously Fleur and Narcissa took the blades from above the mantle and fastened them about their hips where they hung comfortably. They moved back over to the doors and looked back to Morgana who smiled for the first time and bowed to them. Hermione bowed back respectively and turned to step out of the castle. Morgana stopped them one last time with a final bit of information for them. As it turned out, a full day in Avalon equalled 5 and a half days in their own realm. Thanking the ghosts the witches went back to the waiting animals.
It took almost another hour before they made the inner grove and when they slid from the animals backs and approached the black pool they were stopped by a large manticore as they had been told they would. The creature, surprisingly, was more like a sphinx instead of the monstrous creature people usually depicted them as. It asked a riddle Hermione had heard before and though it took her a moment to recall the answer she did figure it out. The manticore would only allow Hermione to pass how ever so the little witch had to move on without her lovers. She stepped up the black water and took a deep breath before stepping in.
Hermione hissed in pain as it sliced through her legs up to mid thigh, it burned but it wasn't unbearable. The manticore stepped forward and explained that the black water would always burn but only the unworthy couldn't handle it and would back out. Hermione slogged on despite the pain and as the water got deeper tears pooled in her eyes. By the time she made it out of the water and onto the small island that the stone sat on her skin was blistered badly up to her hips. Shaking and breathing heavily, tears streaming down her face to moved to the stone and touched it before even laying finger on the swords hilt.
The stone was warm and vibrated gently under her hand, she leaned on it for a moment before standing strong and gripping the swords hilt. The magic in the sword surged and burned through her hand making her cry out but instead of recoiling like her instincts told her, she gripped the handle tighter and pulled hard. The sword, Excalibur or as Hermione preferred, Caliburn, slid from the stone like a knife through soft butter. There was a loud crack and the stone broke in half revealing a hollow center that held the swords scabbard. When she picked up the scabbard clear water began to pour from a hole between the two stone halves.
Watching as she sheathed the legendary sword Hermione was shocked to see the clear water run into the black water and change it. The water now a light purple looked considerably more welcoming than before as so Hermione started her journey back. She quickly realised that where the black water burned the worthy and unworthy alike, the purple water soothed and healed her so completely that when she stepped out of the water beside the manticore the only burn left was on her hand. She bent down and pushed her hand into the water and when she drew it back the only evidence she had ever been burned that was left was a scar in the shape of a sword on her palm.
"Baby... you did it." Fleur commented softly before she, Narcissa and creatures around them dropped into a bow of respect.
"That's it? Really? You had wade through acid? Piece of cake." Ginny says from where she was sitting beside Rolanda.
Hermione laughed and sat up adjusting the dozing with on her lap and looked at the surrounding faces. They looked awed and impressed and a myriad of other things that Hermione appreciated but wished they didn't have on their faces. These people were her friends, mentors and family, they didnt owe her respect simply because of her status, they didn't owe her respect at all if they didn't wish. They were people she loved and was just happy to have them in her life.
"You and Fleur really bowed to your own wife?" Ron and Harry had returned from retaking the Ministry about halfway through the tale. Ron looked at Narcissa as he spoke.
"She is our queen. We bow to none but her." Narcissa stated seriously and those around them nodded.
"Long live the queen." Bella called to an answering chorus of the same phrase.