Disclaimer:
I do not own the world and characters featured in this Harry Potter fanfiction, nor do I have permission to use them. Harry Potter, his story, and the settings and characters involved in it, are owned and trademarked by JK Rowling and the many licensors of her work. I do not make money through this story.
.:/*\:.
Hermione Apparated in the deserted side alley with her quebracho wand in hand, scanning the area with her eyes. Just because the war had officially ended, didn't mean she would forget many people still thought of her as a target rather than a hero. When she was certain no one had followed her or was hiding behind the bins, she sent her wand back in its spot in the dual holster and casually walked out of the side street.
She knew that this part of London did not have the best of reputations, but it was the only place she had found what she needed within her price range. Lorenzo Lee was apparently someone who would work hard as long as you paid well. Luckily enough, Harry had stepped in before she could say anything and said it was only fair he helped paid for the private investigator. His reasoning was that, if she hadn't been friend with him, she would probably have left with her parents rather than Obliviating them and moving them to Australia. He had killed any further argument in her when he had said he wanted to help because he considered her his big sister. What could you say to that? There was also the added advantage that Lorenzo Lee was the son of two Squibs and knew about magic even if he couldn't work it himself. Explaining what had happened, and what Hermione now needed to happen would be that much easier.
And so, Hermione was now walking to the office of Mr Lee. Said office looked a bit decrepit and Hermione checked her slip of paper to make sure she was at the right place. She finally gathered her courage with a deep breath and went through the door. A bell jingled and a voice sounded from the back.
"I'll be with you in just a minute."
Hermione softly closed the door behind her and stood there, looking around. The room was decorated with beige wallpaper and a dark brown carpet that had probably seen better days. An opened door at the back of the room led to the back of the building. A desk stood on one side, with a flat screen monitor on top and a large leather chair behind it. On the opposite wall of this setup, tall filing cabinets stood in a row. A comfortable sitting area by the front of the room, just in front of the front window, finished the decor. Hermione started slightly as she smelled the heavy aroma of freshly brewed coffee coming from the back of the office. Not two seconds later, Lorenzo Lee came through the opened door at the back, and Hermione guessed a kitchen must be out there.
"Well, I'll be damned. Hermione Granger."
The man was easily above six feet, with close cropped dark hair and quite stunning, icy blue eyes in his suntanned face. He was slim-built but still exuded an air of restrained power, even in the navy-blue suit and tie he wore. In fact, he looked exactly like she had imagined a thirty-something, ex-army man would.
"Mr Lee. I'm surprised you know who I am."
"Don't be. I may never be an official member of the wizarding world, but I like to keep appraised as to what's going on there. After all, a good number of my clients come from there."
"I'm afraid to ask what you've heard about me."
Lee waved a hand dismissively then gestured to the seat opposite his desk. "I like to make my own opinion of people. Rags like the Daily Prophet are only good to keep tracks of certain events. Now, what can I do for you?"
Hermione sat and folded her hands on her lap, worrying her fingertips. She opened her mouth to speak then closed it again, unsure what to say. Lee only watched her, not pressuring her to speak and letting her find her words in her own time. Finally Hermione sighed.
"Last year, I had to take some rather ruthless precautions to protect my family."
"Very wise of you, from what I've heard. I am well versed in the theories of Charms and defensive spell work. Just start at the beginning."
Hermione took a deep breath and did just that.
"After Professor Dumbledore's funerals, I was certain that I would not be returning to Hogwarts as the Headmaster had left Harry a mission and we were not going to let him go alone. I also knew that my parents would not be safe in Britain. I decided to Obliviate all their memories of me and magic and send them away to Australia under fake names. I am ninety-five percent sure that I will never be able to reverse the spell. However, I would like to be sure they both are safe."
Lee had been taking a few notes as Hermione spoke.
"Do you know the names?"
"Wendell and Monica Wilkins."
"And do you know where in Australia?"
Hermione shook her head. "I didn't think it was safe for me to know. I planted the idea that they were immigrating on a whim. I bought them tickets to Sydney and set up a few interviews with dental practices all over New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. I also put a rather strong compulsion to settle down there rather than come back for any reason, so I'm relatively sure that they are still in East Australia somewhere."
"Australia is a big place, even East Australia."
"I know. I just need to know they're all right."
Lee nodded as he finished jotting down some notes.
"Well, I won't promise anything. But I have a place to start and it so happens I know a few people in Australia who might be able to act as my eyes and ears until I really need to get down there. Now, about my fees…"
"I was told you work on an hourly basis, prefer Muggle currency, and will add pre-approved expenses to the bill as they occur," Hermione said as she reached for her bag and withdrew a zipped pouch from it. "One thousand British pounds, which if I'm not mistaken is enough to secure your services for a little while and cover initial expenses."
The private investigator took the pouch from Hermione and nodded as he took a quick glance inside.
"Best way to contact you?"
"Owl Hogwarts. I'm afraid this is the only way to contact me at the moment."
"That's fine. Please be sure to let me know if you're leaving the country or if you get a Muggle mean of communication. And you're staying at Hogwarts?"
"At the moment, yes. I'm part of the reconstruction effort."
Lee nodded to himself as he made some more notes before he stood.
"I'll do my best to find your parents. But keep in mind what I said about Australia being a big place."
"I know. That's part of why I sent them there in the first place," Hermione sighed.
They exchanged a handshake and Hermione walked out and back to the side street she had Apparated into. She leaned against the wall and swallowed back her tears and the feeling of hopelessness that threatened. As much as she wanted to go look for her parents herself, she knew this was the most logical step. With trembling hands, she swiped at her eyes before she fixed the image of Hogsmead in her mind. She would go back to Hogwarts and lose herself into the Wards for the rest of the day.
.:/*\:.
Hermione was bent over her notebook, arithmantic equations scribbled all over the pages spread in front of her. The Master Ward sat on her right, propped up so she could see it with barely a glance away from her equations, and the Wards Map laid on her left, spread open and showing the Foundation Wards around the Great Hall in painstaking details. Hermione was now sat at her desk, in her quarters. The construction crews had moved to do some work right outside the Library over the last few days, and the spells ensuring the peace and quiet of the place had had to be temporarily lifted. Hermione had chosen to take that morning off to run her personal errand then continue her work in her rooms rather than in one of the unused classrooms.
As she ran the numbers, calculating the best way to split the Wards while making sure they still did their jobs, the Master Ward kept a running commentary on advanced warding techniques. The sound of a tinkling bell told Hermione that the Master Ward had something more to say and she glanced up at the thin journal.
You do realize how amazing your skill is, yes?
"What do you mean?"
You have been studying warding for less than two full months and you already are running equations that would dazzle most apprentices of your age.
"I have the advantage to have been top of my classes and to have somehow taken OWLs for all the relevant fields."
But you have not passed your NEWTs.
"According to most, I easily could…"
Hermione stopped herself from saying more. She enjoyed knowing she was advanced but she had learned not to brag about it. This kind of things never made you popular at school. Bad enough that her pride didn't let her dumb herself down and take lower marks from time to time.
Maybe you should.
"I should… What?"
Maybe you should take your NEWTs now and start an apprenticeship.
Hermione actually looked up from her equations and stared at the Master Ward.
"You just say that because you want me to become the Dragon."
True. With the right training, you could make an amazing Dragon. But I'm thinking more in the terms of a career move for you.
"Career move?"
You will eventually need to start thinking about what you will do after Hogwarts.
"I know that much. But I'd like one year at Hogwarts spent entirely focused on studying."
Fair enough. Just remember what I said when the time comes. Whether or not you agree to become the Dragon, you would make one formidable Wards Mistress.
Hermione huffed but nodded. She knew that the Master Ward was one-fifth Slytherin and would use anything and anyone it could to its advantage. With the odd conversations they were having, the young witch knew that one of the journal's duties was to find someone to take over the role of Dragon of Hogwarts. Having not been able to fulfill this duty to date, the Master Ward seemed very determined to convince her. Privately, Hermione was tempted. But she wasn't ready to be pushed in any decision.
The Gryffindor witch stretched her arms above her head, rolling her shoulders slightly as she went, before leaning back over her equations.
"I have broken down the Foundation Wards into individual spells and the various hook wards used. But I'm not entirely certain how many can be grouped into an array to be cast by one wards master."
A true wards master with an adequate power source would easily be able to handle the entire Foundation Wards in the Great Hall. Our problem rest with the actual people that will be sent to us.
"How do you characterize a true wards master?"
Someone who can understand those equations. Someone with the knowledge to cast basic wards in their sleep. Someone who knows the limit of their skills. Someone who has access to backup power sources, and knows when they will be required just by looking at the plans of a client has drawn up. Someone who knows when a job is hopeless even before a client has finished explaining what they want.
"I assume you are speaking from Draconis's experience right now."
Yes.
Hermione smiled and nodded slightly.
"Well, do you have suggestions on how to handle the splits for now?"
Have I mentioned my reluctance in letting anyone except for you know more than they should about the School Wards?
"You have. In great details, might I add. And the Headmistress shares your point of view…"
I always knew Minerva McGonagall was one clever witch. What can you tell me of the Foundation Wards?
Hermione sighed as she settled back in her seat.
"I know they were designed mostly with keeping the Castle standing in mind. They are a collection of spells to strengthen the walls while allowing modifications as and when necessary. They also facilitate the flow of magic throughout the buildings and the grounds of Hogwarts, allowing the Castle and yourself to re-direct power where it is needed near enough instantly. Through this basis, the Foundation Wards power every other spells and wards used to keep Hogwarts running, from providing light, heat, and water, to the enchantments such as the Great Hall's ceiling or the Room of Requirement, all the way to the many protective arrays to prevent unwelcome visitors. The Foundation Wards also host the very rules that command your behavior, along with that of the Castle and the Wards Map."
Very well put. And why would it be bad for too many people to know about the precise design of the Foundation Wards?
"A wards master would be able to predict how the Dragon's tools would react in various situations, anticipate how you might handle magic distribution given a certain set of circumstances. They might also work out where are the weakest points in the Castle's structure."
Indeed. There is more, of course. But only the Dragon should know that.
Hermione smiled. "Trying to tempt me with hints of forbidden knowledge might have worked on me a few years back, but I'd like to think I know better now."
Just trying to do my duty here, Hermione. In a perfect world, you would be a few years into a warding apprenticeship and willing to tie your life to Hogwarts and become the Dragon. And then I would show you what true power means. As it is, the best I can do is guide you down a path that is suitable to your tendencies but you are not certain on.
"And trust me when I say I appreciate your mix of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff attitude in being upfront about most of this with me."
You would have made a wonderful Slytherin.
"I'm not so sure."
We are. Truly, if not for your blood status, the Hat would have recommended the Snake House for you.
"Well," Hermione scoffed, "make sure you never, ever, mention this to either Professor McGonagall or Professor Snape. I'm not sure the wizarding world could deal with the consequences."
While the Master Ward could not laugh, Hermione felt a rather strange vibration through the School Wards that she could only interpret as amusement at her words.
It appears you are about to receive visitors.
Hermione frowned at that and quickly checked her watch. Sure enough, it was nearly time for dinner. Although she had been working from her chambers, the Headmistress was still making sure she made an appearance at dinner with the rest of them. The young witch quickly set about tidying her work. The Wards Map and the Master Ward were both carefully bundled up into the small chest bearing her name. Walnut and Quebracho took their places in her wand holster. And Hermione cast a quick Scourgify on her hands to vanish all traces of ink from her fingers just as the knock sounded at her door. She opened the door to find Ron, Harry, and Neville standing there.
"Hey, the Headmistress asked us to make sure you were still alive."
Hermione huffed a laugh at Ron's words but let herself being pulled into his arms. He gave a quick peck on the lips, smiling as he released her into Harry's arms. Even Neville took his turn at hugging her.
"All right, what's going on?"
The three men standing in front of her suddenly appeared to find their shoes fascinating.
"Spit it out, boys."
"Wereleavingfortheministryinthemorning…" Harry mumbled.
Hermione rolled her eyes and looked to Neville. Her quiet friend sighed softly.
"We're leaving for the Ministry in the morning. The Aurory has requested the three of us arrive first thing."
"That's great! So why the long faces?"
"We won't be able to leave for the next three to four months," Harry answered, this time clearly enough for the witch to understand. "They've made sure to tell us that only now. We won't have any communication with the rest of the wizarding world until our first exams are done with, which apparently will be in three to four months."
Hermione chuckled slightly.
"I could have told you that, boys."
"Of course, you could have," Ron said as he put his arm around her shoulders and started on their way to the Great Hall.
The four of them made their way through the school slowly, talking about everything and nothing. Hermione chose to enjoy that time while she had it. She had known it was coming, contrarily to the boys apparently. As the four Gryffindors made it to the Great Hall, they took their seats at their House table and continued talking as they ate.
"I feel like I'm deserting Hogwarts," Neville finally admitted.
"Why?" Hermione asked. "You've done more than most. Between undermining the Death Eaters throughout the last school year, fighting in the Final Battle, and helping with the reconstruction."
"But we're not done."
"Maybe so but everyone needs to move on, eventually."
"You're staying," Harry pointed out.
"Only because I can't see myself not taking my NEWTs. And I have no ideas what I actually want to do."
"What about what you said to Scrimgeour last year? You know, how you wanted to do some good in the world."
"Well, I suppose I still want to. But I don't know how."
"You'll figure it out pretty quickly," Ron said with a confidence in her that Hermione didn't quite feel.
But the witch smiled and nodded anyway. As dessert was served, the Headmistress stood and clinked her glass with her knife a few times.
"Today is the last day of June. Less than two months ago, this school was attacked by dark witches and wizards intent on destroying our way of life. They failed on the day, but they could have set the wizarding world back by many years if the school had remained as it ended that day. But the alumni of Hogwarts rallied once more to help the school and you have worked very hard to repair the damages.
"Most of you have to go back to your lives tomorrow. Many will return to their jobs, their businesses, or their homes, some will go on to start their new careers, while others will continue their education. One way or the other, know that Hogwarts is proud to count you as members of its student body, past or present."
The Great Hall broke into loud applause. Hermione joined in with the rest of the guests, rising to her feet along with the boys. Cheers rang through the room as everyone congratulated each other. Hermione received and gave many hugs and claps on the back. Although the work wasn't entirely finished, Hogwarts had enough in terms of classrooms and quarters to host staff and students for the coming year and so most of the reconstruction crews would be going back to their regular lives.
Ron stood and held out his hand to Hermione. The witch looked up at him for a moment then took his hand with a smile. The two slipped away and meandered through the Castle, hand in hand. Hermione was content enough to laced her fingers through Ron's and follow him whichever way he took. Finally, Ron stopped in a courtyard and turned to face her.
"I was going to try and convince you to change your mind. To join me and Harry and Neville into the Auror program. But I also know that it's not going to happen. You'll never quit Hogwarts until you're done with the NEWTs."
Hermione said nothing since he was right. Ron nodded seemingly to himself and gently pulled his friend to come sit onto a bench.
"We won't be able to see each other for the next few months," Ron continued.
"I know."
"And even after the first set of tests, I'm sure we'll be swamped learning rules and protocols and whatever else Aurors need to know."
"You will be," Hermione confirmed.
"And after that, you'll be starting an apprenticeship or you'll go through your first year at a new job and you probably won't have much time either then."
"Where are you going with all this, Ron?"
"Well… I was wondering if you'd be willing to still be my girlfriend. Even if we can't see each other too often. Even if it means waiting for a little while."
Hermione smiled and gently leaned forward, touching her lips to Ron's. His answer was immediate and he pulled her to him, deepening the kiss. Hermione put her arms around his waist, standing on her tiptoes to keep as close to Ron as possible. Air became a necessity and she let herself fall back on her heels.
"That was nice," Ron commented with a bit of a smug smile.
Hermione chuckled in answer and gave her boyfriend another peck on the lips.
"You shouldn't get used to it."
"I know," Ron said with a sigh. "It's going to be hell without you."
"You just say that because you were hoping I'd still be there to push you into doing your homework."
"Of course. Why else would I want you around?"
"Prat," Hermione huffed as she gave Ron a slap on the arm.
The two exchanged another kiss and Ron pulled Hermione on his lap.
"Not going to happen, Ron," Hermione mumbled against his lips.
"Come on, 'Mione. We won't see each other for the next several months. It'd be a nice going-away present."
Hermione deliberately pushed against his chest and Ron let her go.
"I can't do it. Not right now. There's still some stuff we need to sort out between us before we go that far."
Ron sighed and dropped his arms to his sides. Hermione chose to move to the bench, sitting sideways so she could sort of face the man she had known since they were eleven.
"I was hoping we wouldn't do that," Ron admitted.
"I know. But I can't let it go without talking it through…" Hermione faltered then, not sure how to go forward with this conversation.
"I'll save you the trouble, 'Mione. I was a prat. I still am. I've thought of you as mine for a long while, even if I really shouldn't have considering that I was going out with Lavender. And I am jealous and possessive. And I couldn't handle what the locket kept showing me…"
"What exactly did it show you?"
"You. And Harry. Together. Mocking me."
"We wouldn't."
"I know that, but it didn't change anything. The locket found my weakness and exploited it."
Hermione went to say it had done the same with her and Harry but refrained for now. She didn't want him to leave after they'd had a fight.
"Let's just leave it for now."
Ron nodded and pulled Hermione into a loose embrace. She went willingly, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. She would get over the fact he left, eventually. After all, he had come back to fight alongside them when it mattered. They sat and watched the colorful summer sunset light up the Scottish skies above them for a while.
"Any more ideas about what you're going to do after Hogwarts?"
"Let's just wait and see how well I do with my NEWTs, shall we?" Hermione laughed.
"Everyone knows you'll pass whatever NEWTs you decide to go for. The real question is what you intend to do with them."
Hermione shrugged, not knowing what to say, and burrowed into Ron's side. The two of them spent another half-hour doing nothing else than cuddling on the bench. When the sky started to darken and the first stars appeared, Hermione finally shook herself from the languid feeling that had enveloped her.
"I need to get to sleep. I've got to speak with Professor McGonagall about the wards in the morning. And you should rest as well if you're supposed to go to the Ministry first thing."
Ron nodded and the two of them stood. Hermione wasn't really surprised when her boyfriend put his arm around her and walked her all the way back to her quarters.
"Remember to eat and sleep from time to time, Hermione. You know how you tend to get when neither Harry nor I are around to stop you."
Hermione smiled and nodded before she stood on tiptoes to give Ron a final kiss.
"Take care of yourself. And tell Harry and Neville that I expect to be invited when the three of you are confirmed as full-time Aurors."
Ron nodded and turned to walk away. Hermione watched him go then stepped inside her rooms.
.:/*\:.
Author's Note: Want to know what was the worse in this chapter? The bit where Harry mumbles that the Auror wannabes are set to leave. Never thought it's be that hard to remember to leave off the spaces!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has reviewed, favorited, or followed this story so far. You guys are the greatest! I've started to run into the dreaded writer's block… Yes, even when you have an outline for a story, it happens. Actually, it always happens to me when I start working on 'the middle' of a story. So it's not unexpected and I'm pushing through it. There's still elements of 'the beginning' to work through, so that helps too!
Anyway, this was a rather long and convoluted way to tell you, I might be slower to post in the future but Path of Power is continuing.