Chapter 10: The Clan
Hermione awoke well-rested, but she had a nervous energy thrumming through her as she grabbed a scone with some tea for breakfast and headed down to the library.
She smiled to herself as she picked out books on dragons, as well as magical wizarding customs and Food of the North: When to Say Yeah, When to Say Nay. She wished there was a computer form of information. Like a magical search engine. Moogle perhaps? She laughed outright at her silliness, and found her favorite corner to settle into.
She perused the customs book, jotting down some quick notes to remember. Sure, she wouldn't take them with her, but for some reason writing down the information helped it stick better, and caused her to revise less. As much as she strove for good grades, she wasn't about to waste what precious time she did have studying needlessly.
She looked at her notes briefly "In the wizarding north, some customs still remain that may seem peculiar to some. In clan gatherings, although usually limited to family and close friends, guests are expected to wear traditional wizarding dress robes. This garb is the original inspiration for the Great plaid and Arisaid. The arisaid is the ancient female garb of the Scottish Highland. There are several types of tartans, but generally fall into three categories: everyday, semi-formal, and dress. Dress tartans (which is what I'll probably be wearing) have a white background to signify how important the event is.
Tartans - the pattern and outfit as a whole, versus Plaid - the long piece of cloth that hangs over the shoulder.
** Note : Try not to piss off the clan.
She read a bit further, picking up some random odds and ends phrases, enough to be covered for basic conversation, if they decided to break into Gaelic. Knowing Seamus, she fully expected at least a moment or two of excited gabbing when she got there. Or maybe I'll muck it up and they'll outcast me. Just how then will I get any help?
She shook her head as she banished the morose thoughts from her head. Concentrating for a while longer on her dragon book, she discovered that they were very courteous creatures, and especially sticklers for proper manners.
The author supposed one of the best gifts is to bring a "gift of the earth" to a dragon. He mentioned all sorts of trivial things, but Hermione snorted to herself and checked the time. It was barely past nine, so she set off to get ready.
Research was paying off, as she donned a plain maroon skirt and a formal short sleeved top. It was made out of light unbleached cotton, so Hermione figured it would go great with the arisaid. She sighed as she globbed all the Sleekeazy she had left and smoothed her hair into a semblance of formal with a simple french braid. She applied light very slight make up and headed off to find Hagrid.
The day had barely begun and the walk down to her professor's hut was amazing. The trees were a beautiful golden color, and the leaves that had fallen already were happily crunching underneath. The nice brisk air filled her lungs and she swung her hands happily as the hut soon came into view. Bracing against Fang's licking assault, she was ushered further into the hut by the beaming half-giant.
"Hermione, what can I do fer ya? I just made some tea, or would you like some cider that I picked up from the Three Broomsticks?" She grabbed the cider almost greedily, as she could never get enough of it. Regardless of whether it was zero or forty celsius out, she still wanted her cider.
After finishing her drink they chatted for a bit, then asked him. "Hagrid, do you know of a Christmas gift I could give Charlie? I'm having a devil of a time thinking of something." She felt slightly guilty for lying to the friendly man, but keeping her talents quiet was a necessity.
Hagrid beamed and got a battered-looking pot from his top shelf. "It's a sealin' paste. I use it for the skrewts when they shed their skins. It toughens their skin, so it isn't as tetchy when they shed. We used it a lot fer the tournament when the dragons chipped a scale."
Hermione exclaimed her thanks and took her leave, realizing that she would need to procure a gift for the MacFusty's as well. She scoured the outskirts of the forest, settling on a thick ash branch that was fallen. Using a useful cutting tool she had learnt out of a housekeeping book, she trimmed it down to approximate size. Looking still roughshorn, she blasted a sand-flinging curse at the small drinking bowel, the traditional quaich. Now it gleamed in a smooth finish, but she decided to carve some runes along the inside of the quaich, as well as charm small dragons to move on the outside.
Satisfied, and after re-securing her hair, she smoothed her clothes and with haste walked to Dumbledore's office. It was their that she would take her leave, under the watchful eye of the Headmaster. Silently she grinned, At least now I'll have no worry if I splinch myself. He'll pick up my fingers and toes.
Faux greeted her sedately, as he was getting older and gearing up for his change-over. "I believe, Miss Granger, when he is born again he feels infinitely more grateful every time he goes through it. I do believe that I wish to be him sometimes. I'd love to be a spring chicken again." He eased into his chair, and sighed tiredly as he came to a full rest.
She smiled but was diverted back to Faux as he nipped at her shirt. "What is it, you old bird? I know Headmaster feeds you, so you can't be hungry." The bird had the grace to look affronted and tilted his head to the side, as if he was thinking.
Dumbledore chuckled and replied, "I know that look. Here is what he needs, Miss Granger. Two vials should suffice, as he is very potent at this stage." Lightly grasping the two glass vials from the Headmaster, she held them up to Faux. He immediately started to water his eyes, and Hermione finally caught on. "Oh. Oh! Thank you so much Faux."
Deciding to keep one and give the other to the dragons, she was now ready for her departure. The only problem is...she didn't know how this type of apparition worked. "I don't know how it worked sir, I was just panicked and the pressure from behind my eyes allowed me to give it."
"In these situations, Miss Granger, I find it's easier to imagine myself there. How it would feel, how the smells are. It helps to lock onto a more tangible target."
She paused for a moment and thought of the clearing. Picturing it serenely, she felt the mist there, and gentle breeze playing at her skirt. She was glad for the light coat as the air got chilly in November. She suddenly snapped open her eyes to come face to face with the snout of a dragon.
Barely withholding her scream, she took a step back, allowing some personal space between her and her new kin. Veritas rumbled amusedly, causing little puffs of smoke to release like she was trying to signal another dragon far away. Hermione rolled her eyes and smiled at her, bowing formally and saying hello.
The dragon's eyes shut in contentment as her changeling was already learning the proper ways. "I fear I have it far too easy, you come well prepared changeling." Hermione smiled softly at the praise but shook her head to the comment. "Not overly so, I was hoping to get more of the training and true knowledge from you lot, as you have a few hundred years on me." The dragon nodded sagely, and turned to greet the lone clansmen walking down the path. Rubbing the forearm of the dragon as he passed by, Callan grinned happily at Hermione.
"Lassie! I was tellin' th' whole clan abit ye! Think ye a reit smart hen. They are impressed. Recht, well come wi' ur very eager to meet ye." He took her by the arm and half-dragged her teasing her all the way through the short path to a group of houses on a low hill. Beyond it, there was a rock face and a large quarry-like structure stretching several kilometers. She could hear rumbling from the rock, so she guessed that's where the dragons were.
Leading up to the picturesque homes she fought a sudden urge of panic. She had no idea really what to do, and how these people were to react. Were they purebloods, did they care about blood status, oh sweet jesus what happens if they are helping Voldemort! While her thoughts were wildly spiraling, and her breaths were coming in short, hyper blasts, Callan barged through the thick wooden door and she was met with instant cacophony. She breathed out in a slow timed manner, and then smiled. This, she could do. After all, just replace the red hair for black and you've got yourself a clan, am I right?
The din settled as the group noticed Hermione. All smiles the group stood to greet her, and the clan chief, a withered old wizard came to the center to formally greet her.
She politely curtsied, then started, "Tha mi toilichte ur coinneachadh. I have brought you gifts for graciously opening your lives and home to me. I know it is not much, but I thought you might like a quaich." She softly handed over the ribbon clad bowl. It seemed a little gaudy now that she thought of it, and looked down.
He took his gnarled hand and patted her cheek softly with tears in his eyes. "Tapadh leibh, dear bairn. I am Bearach MacFusty and I am honored tae brin' ye intae my fowk. You will help te restore us n' the dragons. Thae is more than anyain can ask."
He clapped her back softly, and raised his voice. "Now, who is gutton?" A general roar commenced, and she was absconded into the fold. She met no less than twenty clansmen, and by the looks of things, this was considered an "intimate" gathering. She had tried all sorts of dishes, with Callan at her side prodding her to try each new thing. She discovered that she absolutely loved roasted venison, cullen skink, and clootie pudding, but was fairly disgusted by haggis. Callan pounded her on the back after she tried her first sip of homemade whiskey, laughing "We'll make a Scot of ye yet!"
The merriment went on for the rest of the afternoon, with a tour by Callan and several others of the grounds. At dusk, the party was moved outside with a large bonfire, until the moon rose. With full bellies and light hearts, the MacFusty clan led their new charge once again down the wooded path to the clearing.
There was a giant circle made from rock, it seemed the ancient gneisses of the quarry were ported here. The rock was so old it seemed to hum with energy, causing Hermione's senses to sharpen. The clan gathered around the circle, each lighting a candle. Bearach smiled at her and prompted her to stand in the middle of the circle.
A wee bit nervous, she made a half-hearted smile to Callan, who promptly gave her an enthusiastic thumbs up. Smiling she turned to Bearach who started chanting in Gaelic. She couldn't understand just what was going on, but all of the clansmen responded at certain parts.
Bearach finally switched over to English in saying, "I am now presenting Hermione Jean Granger to the clan. Is there anyone who will stand for her?"
"Aye." In the relative quiet, Hermione jumped when Callan's boom echoed across the clearing. "I will stand for her. I swear it by my right Callan Arden MacFusty." Bearach nodded.
"Hermione Jean Granger, are you prepared to enter the MacFusty clan, to honor and protect the clan as well as the dragons we keep?"
Hermione wasn't entirely sure what she should say, so simply put. "I do."
"Are you prepared to do what you must, even if it means great sacrifice, to uphold the family name?"
"I do."
Bearach once again chanted in Gaelic, and motioned her to come towards the outer limit of the circle. A small prick to her finger keyed her into the protective wards, and a drink of hundred year old whiskey allowed her fortitude for what is to come.
She was lead down another small path, which seemed to lead directly to quarry. It was eerie, but peaceful in the moonlight, as she silently made her way down. It was lit up by several strategically placed bonfires so that the whole cavern pulsated with fire. She couldn't see anything yet, but was again led to a small circle. The clan gathered around, but left the front part of the circle open, more to show support than surround.
The ground started to tremble, as Veritas regally approached. Hermione, although reasonably nervous, smiled softly and nodded her head. A slow wink in response, Veritas began to speak. "Who is this youngling, who dare enter my home, my shelter, my fortress?"
Hermione's eyes got wide, but squared her shoulders in a bout of Gryffindor courage. "It is I, Hermione Jean Granger, the Animagus."
"Who shall you protect, Animagus?" "I shall protect, honor, and defend the dragonkin, and anyone who aids them."
"Who will be our truth?" "I will be. I will be your champion, at whatever cost it may be."
"How will you do so?" Hermione paused for a moment, "To the best of my ability, to grow and to learn, until the last breath leaves my body."
Distant roars suddenly echoed around the quarry. Hulking masses were getting closer, and Hermione watched in awe as they descended. There was plenty of room, but they entered one by one, the others idly circling above.
The first to touch down literally shook the ground. A hulking form, with long gleaming golden horns, this green barbarian looked like one of the most powerful dragons here. Hermione gulped in response, especially when it peered in at her to get a better look.
"My name is Valentine. I will be teaching you about war, and the tactics that you will need to win."
"I am honored sir, and I pledge my life to the Romanian Longhorn." He nodded and stepped away.
The second was slight compared to the others, and zoomed in with grace. The dragon was smaller in stature, and somehow a little more delicate. Green with some brown speckles, she had an ethereal quality to her voice.
"Hello, my name is Aderyn, and I will be teaching you dragon history, as well as helping Veritas teach you dragon law."
Hermione smiled and responded. "I am honored Aderyn, and pledge my life to the Welsh Greens." Aderyn laughed, and waddled over to allow the next dragon in.
The landing of the next dragon shook Hermione almost to the ground. Wide and rotund, she was instantly reminded of Slughorn as she watched the dragon awkwardly maneuver himself around everyone else. The largest dragon by far, he was elegant and stunning with a gleaming silver coat and deep pulsing red eyes.
"My name is Vsevolod. I am pleased to meet you. I will be teaching you about magical defense, as well as teaching you how to make your scales more resistant."
"I am honored to meet you sir. I pledge my life to the Ukrainian Ironbellies."
The next dragon was a blur of blue as it dove in with precision and landed awkwardly on it's two feet. The brilliant hue shimmered in the firelight and Hermione was impressed with the dragons beauty.
"Hello, I am Arne. I will be teaching you how to fly in and out of your Animagus form."
Hermione smiled softly and responded. "I am honored Arne. I pledge my fealty to the Swedish Short-snout. I am however, absolute pants at flying. Hopefully you can help."
Arne chuckled and sidestepped for more room.
A small dragon swooped in next, with brilliant copper skin and crystal blue eyes that glittered like gems in the firelight. Smallest of the dragons gathered, the dragon regally nodded to her as she introduced.
"I am pleased to meet you. My name is Ofelia, and I am to teach you about concealable weaponry, as well as increasing your knowledge with potions."
The girl nodded her thanks with a pledge of support to the Peruvian Vipertooth and watched the numbers of dragons steadily grow on the ground. This is like a coming out party, I wonder if this is what my cousin was complaining about. Shaking herself back to the present, she watched the next approaching dragon with akin to horror.
Fast and furious, the dragon let out a stream of fire as it swooped down to land directly in front of her. The landing was rough, and she had to duck out of the way to be mauled by the spiked tail. As he settled to address her, Hermione realized just how brave Harry was.
"I am Botond. I will be teaching you how to wield your fire, in and out of your Animagus form."
She nodded warily and pledged her oath. As he snapped at another dragon for getting too close, he moved aside for the next dragon.
The dragon lazily swooped down and gave a toothy smile. He looked like a smaller version of the Horntail, but with a darker brown tail and a jaunty aim about him. He nodded his head and introduced himself. "Hello, my name is Eirik, and don't mind that bully over there. He's just a little grumpy because he's hungry."
Hermione smiled, and relaxed. "Hi, I'm Hermione Granger, and I swear loyalty to the Norwegian Ridgebacks."
To that he replied, "Well good. Otherwise I wouldn't help you out with navigation." Hermione laughed and saw the descent of one of the most beautiful creatures she's ever seen. The combination of the firelight and the moonlight completely illuminated the hide of the dragon.
She gasped further when the creature opened her multi toned eyes. A soft, gentle hum emitted from the dragon. " I am Hiri. I will instruct you on Dragon Custom, as well was animal code and conduct."
Hermione curtsied and pledged her allegiance to the Opaleyes.
The last dragon was a beautiful scarlet with golden eyes. He was large, but very nimble as he easily flexed along the others to greet Hermione. "I am Zu. I am here to teach you combat, as well as to enhance your deuling capabilities."
She nodded and thanked him, and swore her oath. Veritas finally came back to the forefront, and spoke aloud.
"Do you, Hermione Jean Granger, take my home as your training grounds? To acknowledge that the road will be tough, dangerous, and leave no room for error?"
Hermione gritted her teeth as she felt the hum of the stones and the dragons place pressure behind her eyes. She struggled to stay standing as she nodded her ascent.
The clan chief then brought a silver dagger towards Veritas. He gently prodded under the outstretched claw that reached nearly his chest. A small amount of blood was gathered on the blade and was walked back to Hermione. Taking her right arm, he suddenly slashed across her wrist mingling the dragon blood with her own. Agony enveloped her body, white hot knives slashed through her veins. She dropped to the ground, trying to avoid her pain. She curled into a ball, wishing she was away from the pain.
The roar of the dragons suddenly became muted and she looked up in between soft pants of pain. She had apparated herself back to the forest clearing, and the roars of the dragons were in sync, almost like they were humming, or chanting even.
She desperately clung to the ground as her vision was wavering and she was becoming dizzy. In a pain filled haze Am I dying? was the only coherent thought that she had. She clawed the ground as her back began to arch unnaturally so. She plunged herself into earthscrying, if only to avoid the pain for a second.
A guttural scream emitted from her, as she felt her magic grind against her human form, almost like gears that were not aligning. She plunged herself forward into the ground, the trees, the dragons, the clan. She needed this. She wanted this. She could do this.
Her ears were ringing, her breath coming in shallow pants. Her breath rumbled in her chest, and her throat was ripped to shreds from screaming. She opened her eyes back open, faintly realizing she was still scrying. Flicking her vision off, to her horror, it did not do as it normally would. Oh shit.Panic rising she moved to get up, only realizing she fell back onto the hard earth, grunting as she did so. She was weak, that was sure. Propping herself back up, and realizing she was on all fours she looked down to steady herself. Oh. Fuck.
Instead of her normal arms, there sat two claws. Flexing them to make sure they were attached to her body, or what she thought was her body. She began to panic in earnest. "Shit shit shit shit! I turned myself into a dragon too early and I'm not going to be able to turn back. SHIT!" A laughing rumble beside her answered her distress. Veritas, still significantly bigger than Hermione shook her head at the little changeling.
"Do not worry youngling. You will be fine. You did spectacularly well for your first transformation. We thought it would take you much longer, even with the help of the others."
Hermione peered back to her feet, (claws?) and inspected them closely. She figured she looked like Veritas, as the structure of the claws were similar. She whipped her tail around behind her, and noticed she was a pleasing golden hue. Veritas instructed her on how to walk, or at least shuffle in an attempt not to destroy the clearing.
She was beginning to feel the strain, and she anchored herself back to her body, as with meditation. The gears struggled to fit again, but this process was much smoother.
Veritas nodded to her charge and congratulated her. Callan popped up behind her welcoming her into a hug and into the family.
Two females in the clan stepped forward, gently wrapping her in the clan tartan, and helping her into her bodice of the Arisaid. She was now considered an adopted member of the clan, at least in a magical sense. She was in a respected position, in the council of elders, but understood and was happy not to be in charge.
She admired the tartan, the sett had a white background with forest green warp and a broad red weft. The pattern was delicate, and golden threads were interlaced in them. The bodice was made from a Hebridean hide, but the lacing was made from spider web silk. It was a gorgeous piece, and the clan seemed pleased with her look.
They finalized the ceremony with the traditional blessing.
"May you go forth under the strength of Merlin, under the light of sun, under the radiance of moon;
May you go forth with the splendor of fire, with the speed of lightning, with the swiftness of wind;
May you go forth supported by the depth of sea, by the stability of earth, by the firmness of rock;
May you be surrounded and encircled, with the protection of the nine elements. So mote it be."
A flash of light surrounded them, and a tingling warmth through Hermione signified the ancient protection of the clan was received. She smiled brightly, but she was exhausted.
Veritas rumbled at her "Make sure you practice going in and out of your form. Only at most a half an hour, so that the connection strengthens. You'll need to eat a lot of protein to get used to it. The other traits will soon emerge as well, by the way."
Hermione made a tired mental note of it, but was glad to return to Dumbledore's office. McGonagall was there drinking tea, and beamed when she saw Hermione in the tartans. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily, and nodded to her. "I gather everything went well Miss Granger? You look quite stunning in that arisaid, it fits you."
Hermione gave a tired smile, "Thank you Headmaster for the compliment. I am quite tired, and I have to get back for classes tomorrow."
Dumbledore nodded, "That is wise, my dear. I have a proposition for you however. Would you like to take your exams early?"
Hermione thought about it, and shook her head. "I'm going to be learning all sorts of things right now, Headmaster. I need as much time as possible to study and learn, and I just wouldn't have enough time to revise for exams, take them, and be able to learn the things necessary for the upcoming battles."
Dumbledore looked thoughtful, and acquiesced. "Would you like to take your final exams for this year, then, to have room for what you need to concentrate?"
Hermione's stomach sank at the thought of all of the insightful lectures that she would miss. It would take some serious thought, as well as some deliberation as to whether or not she could afford this.
"Can I think about it first sir? I wouldn't want to be hasty, and I'm quite tired."
Dumbledore chuckled, "We couldn't have that could we? Go to bed Miss Granger. Minerva will accompany you, if you mind?" The house head shook her head and smiled at one of her favorite pupils. "Come along lass. Tell me all about your adventure."
A/N: This was a bear to write. I did a couple of hours of research into customs, outfits, and scottishy things before writing this. Not to mention all the names of the dragons and such. Hopefully I'll update soon. Hope you like it?