A/n: Here we go the next instalment I shall say no more.
Disclaimer: I do not own any recognisable characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Eleven
It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
J.K Rowling
A hand gripping her shoulder muttered words buried deep into her cloak, they are a sight to see. Huddled beneath a porch light, tears in their eyes, a home, a safe haven and no longer a home to call her own. Mascara traces black lines, she reflects it looks like cracked china doll, breaking into different pieces.
Neither mind the shadow that lingers by the gate, the unwanted visitor but needed a passenger. After all none of them are safe not now, perhaps not for a very long time, war has claimed the world.
A hand traces pale cheek, she may be feeling better, may be exerting her true magic but her body still reveals the year of malnourishment. Can tell the year has changed her by the reflection in the dark eyes the glitter with shed tears.
"I am so happy you're out."
They do not say she is fine, nor healthy because that would mean lying, and they have little time to lie to one another. She should not even be here, there is a risk, a big risk they are enemies, but they are also family a harsh zig-zagged line drawn across families.
Eyes skirt over her shoulder to the shadow lingering, the familiar black hair, and the acknowledgement between sisters. A thank you passed, barely received because Bella is always looking over her and that is less likely to change.
"You broke her out?" The question is almost rhetorical, neither confirmed nor repeated.
"Andy, we don't have long." Hermione breaks the connection, forcing the attention back to herself.
"No, I suppose we don't, I had an image that you would be free from that dreadful place, come back home." Andy sighs. "Foolish now."
"Bella says you're not joining us."
Andy recoils visibly hurt by the word us because it states a thousand things. More importantly, it reaffirms the horrible truth they are on opposite sides of the war. Coughing from the inside of the house has Hermione glance through the open door to the soft fire burning away. Ted is home, this could be a recipe for disaster, and Bella's hate for the wizard may not be contained. It is a risk Hermione is willing to take.
"I see," Andy replies softly, hurt.
"Andy, please reconsider."
"I cannot."
Never have two words hurt so much, hit so below the belt her heart has thudded to a dramatic halt. The harsh intake of Bella's breath speaks volumes there will be no swapping of allegiance tonight.
"Don't look at me like that," Andy, says stroking Hermione's arm out of the habit of reassurance. "I am with the Order, I cannot follow that man, Riddle. His vision is so blind, so foolish he has brought a war none want but are now forced to endure."
Swallowing, Hermione pulls away, because although Riddle is responsible her mother is the mastermind. Except Hermione cannot tell Andy this, no one knows of Morgana, even Hermione has yet to see the witch. To set eyes on her own mother to see her in the real world.
"They sent me to Azkaban," Hermione states coldly.
"They wanted to protect you."
"They sent me to hell, to suffer abuse, to starve to have my life drained out of me. What he did was not protection it was imprisonment and torture. Harry set me up; he set me up to control me, how? How could you follow him?"
"I didn't know that," Andy says sadly. "I just…"
"Believed their lies…"
Hermione breaks off, stepping away, the last piece slowly falling into place. Andy would not follow Harry on just his word someone else has had a hand in this. Someone much bigger, much more influential.
"You know who Merlin is." Hermione states.
Releasing a breath, Andy glances to Ted joining them on the porch, leaning against the door arms folded watching Bellatrix pace just beyond the white picket fence.
"I have seen him."
"Who is he?" Hermione demands.
"I cannot say, honestly I cannot say, we are all in confidence," Andy says pleading for Hermione to believe her. "We are sworn to secrecy and if I wanted to I could not. But Hermione, he is not what I imagined; he promises to return a peace to this world."
"What Riddle wants is foolish," Ted interjects. "I wanted nothing more as a child to tell my parents about my magic. I could not, I would not, the muggles are foolish, and we both know it. Humans are stupid and angry. We would be cast out – hunted."
"The world has changed," Hermione argues. "Religion drove us as outcasts, that magic they claimed to be evil. The world has changed people have changed. If we show them the real us, then there is a chance for harmony, for life living as normal people."
"It is impossible."
"You don't understand," Hermione shakes her head frustrated. "Merlin doesn't want peace, doesn't want to hide, he wants the muggles dead, wants them gone for what they did."
"Is that what Riddle told you?" Ted asks shaking his head. "His in your head Hermione."
"No," Hermione sighs. "Merlin isn't the only one to rise from the dead. Someone else is here, and I wish I could tell you the truth, Andy... I really wish I could, but not yet."
"What truth?" Andy asks.
"I'm not who you think I am," Hermione replies. "I never have been."
"What does that mean?"
"Hermione," Bella calls from the shadows. "Time to go."
"Bella, wait," Andy interrupts. "What does she mean, what don't I know."
"I can't join you, Andy," Hermione replies calmly. "You are my family, but my family also belongs on the other side."
Confused, Andy steps down the porch, to follow Hermione currently retreating to Bella. Never in her years has she seen Andy so conflicted, torn. It is okay, though, Andy has Nymph, has Ted and for now, that will have to do.
"I won't fight you." Andy proclaims loud enough the neighbours light flick on. "I am still a healer, not a fighter, I refuse to fight."
"I will," Hermione answers calmly. "I will fight, and I plan to win this war."
"Hermione, please."
"Stay safe Andy, should you change your mind, should they turn against you, then let me know I will come for you. You always have a place with us."
Hermione hooks her arm around Bella's waist the light catching her ring. The loud gasp from Andy, their secret discovered the pure look of wonder.
"Don't engage us in battle," Bella warns. "It would be foolish."
Not waiting for a reply, the air cracks the ground shakes as Hermione apparates them away, a cold gust disturbing the porch light. The air alive with magic, Andy shivers, the intensity of magic it calls to her.
"Would have thought Azkaban would have weakened her." Ted comments.
"Have we made the right choice?" Andy asks turning to her husband.
"Could you follow Riddle?"
"Of course not."
"Then there is no choice."
"There's always a choice," Andy whispers rubbing her eyes. "Cissy remains neutral."
"The Malfoys remain neutral to retain the most money, they can make a profit from this war, and they will not willingly aid anyone."
"I hope your right Ted, I hope your right."
~~~~~ Fractures ~~~~~
The floorboards creek announcing their arrival, her house, her mansion rented to the cause. It feels odd to say, she wonders if they also helped themselves to her money. She feels empty handed, as though she failed, failed in recruiting Andy.
"Nothing to be done." Bella murmurs on passing.
She is being selfish, Hermione is not the only one to feel the loss, and Bella will feel it greatly. Despite the protests, the swearing from Bella earlier telling Andy to live in the grave she dug. Bella cares, in her own unique roundabout way; Bella would rather have Andy on their side – safe.
Hoping she never has to have contact with the witch, never has to meet the witch during the war, Hermione could not bring herself to harm Andy. However, she also fears anyone else hurting the witch or Nymph, because Hermione would surely kill any who hurt her family. That scares her more.
Bella makes a beeline for the food, an insatiable appetite. Rolling her eyes, Hermione catches sight of a familiar blonde lingering near the fire.
"Luna," Hermione says stepping toward the witch.
"Hermione," Luna smiles. "How did it go?"
"Fine," Hermione replies glancing to the weird creature sitting on the chair. Similar to a little orangutan, it blinks back at Hermione with knowing eyes.
"She didn't accept the offer did she," Luna sighs. "I see."
"You already knew she wouldn't, that's what you do now isn't it?"
"It was an option." Luna nods.
"Bella told me, said you're a seer," Hermione says sceptically. "Why didn't you warn me this would be coming?"
"Why didn't you?" Luna asks. "You knew before anyone else, after all, it's in your blood."
The urge to argue to fire back it grows, her annoyance at being caged, her frustration at the situation it stings. She resists the urge to speak because that would mean Luna would suffer anger not meant for her.
"I understand," Luna says with a vacant smile. "Truly I do."
"No, you don't." Hermione snaps. "If you can see the future, why not do something about it?"
"I am," Luna replies calmly. "I chose a side."
"Or you could end it, tell me who Merlin is."
"I cannot."
"Why? Heaven sake Luna, you know why not tell us, put this bloody thing to bed."
"It does not work like that," Luna, answers, her calmness slipping ever so slightly. "I see paths, options it is up to me to understand them. I, however, cannot show you them, it is your decision where to go."
"Stupid," Hermione huffs in annoyance. "What is he?"
"This is Gosric," Luna introduces. "He is a Demiguise, we found him when travelling."
"Why do you have him?"
"He has no one else," Luna replies absently. "Hermione, if I could tell you anything that would help, I would."
"Why don't I believe you?" Hermione asks.
"You always doubted the power of sight."
"Power of sight," Hermione scoffs. "And what does your sight tell you when you look at me, what do you think when you look at me. After all, Sybil ran from me, what scares you so much?"
"We see death," Luna answers coldly. "When I look at you, I see death."
Breathless, Hermione tries not to let it show, tries not letting the pain of the word seep into her skin. It is too late though she can feel it infecting her system. The word burning in her mind, she brings death.
"That is why we fear you," Luna says softly. "On the other hand we see life; it's all so wrapped around you, we don't know which you bring."
"Then why this side?"
"Because with Harry I see nothing, I feel only regret."
"And if I said this whole thing was foolish? A waste of my time? Then what would you say."
"I would ask for your faith like you had for my innocence all those years ago."
Holding the stare, Hermione considers the implications of that trust; she hates divination believes it to be a load of rubbish. Bella has faith in Luna, as does Riddle is that enough. Her eyes dart to Gosric watching her in return; does he know how this next scene will play? Does he know what Hermione's choice would be before she does?
"I trust you, Luna," Hermione says breaking her silence. "But don't expect me to believe you."
"Trust is more important." Luna smiles that turns into a frown.
"There must always be one… One to see, one to guide and another blind."
The words whisper through the room, the fire blowing out, and the darkness from outside penetrating the windows. A bird squawks as the ground trembles beneath their feet. A glass falls smashing to the ground, the Demiguise jumps behind the sofa, shivering.
Reality feels so far away, watching torn between disgust and wonder as Luna falls to her knees in a bow. Hermione's breath like ice to her lungs, scaring the tissue, her skin prickles from the magic it claws at her soul.
"When one dies, another must take their place there must always be one Seer in the world some by chance, others born for greatness and then there are those who are thrust upon this greatness."
The words sound almost like a nursery rhyme – almost.
"To see the future is one thing, to know how to interpret is another. The last great Seer died, taken before they could spread the word."
If it were not for the chilling voice, which booms through the room, whispered however so softly as though spoken straight to the ear. A compelling conundrum makes Hermione's head throb, her heart stutters, Luna gasps, a twitch the only indication she too, cannot comprehend the situation.
"I ask you, which one are you? Do see what no one else can? Are you here to guide us? On the other hand, are you blind a fool who has no master? A fool that withers under the power given only to those worthy?"
"I see the future," Luna whispers not lifting her head. "But I would not risk guiding, I could guide to destruction. I merely only offer advice."
"A very sensible answer."
Forcing her feet, Hermione turns to set her gaze on the intruder, the one who has brought their world to a stop. To the brink of war without even being alive. Dark hazel eyes flicker across her body, analysing Hermione, studying her as though a specimen meeting for the first time. A deep smile spreads across perfect features, it strange how familiar it is.
"Mother…" Hermione whispers.
"All these years," Morgana smiles lips parting like the red sea revealing dazzling white teeth. "I have finally set eyes upon my daughter."
A hand caresses Hermione's cheek, the intensity of the action burning her skin, her magic pulses in response. She feels dizzy, exhilarated from the touch, feels mortal. The very presence forces her legs to buckle, the power held within dainty hands, hands that are so smooth.
"My beautiful daughter," Morgana whispers. "How I have missed you."
"Mum,"
"Shush now," Morgana orders, a finger crossing Hermione's lips. "There is so much to discuss and discuss them we shall. Now let this moment be, unreal is it not? Let us not dampen this reunion with words, words that can wait."
"Leave." She utters the word so softly the authority lingers none the less and the room empties in seconds.
~~~~~~ Fractures ~~~~~~
Reality has no standing, she has truly fallen down the rabbit hole, cradling her tea as Bella sits next to her on the sofa. A soft chuckle escaping her lips on autopilot, Riddle telling a story, she believes it to be funny. Everyone seems to be laughing, Riddle, Bella, Luna and Morgana. Her mother, Lady Morgana reborn sitting with a cup of tea next to the roaring fire. A single Raven sits atop of the sofa next to her, his beady eyes studying Hermione.
I am drinking tea with my mother, with Morgana. A low chuckle leaves Morgana's lips morphing into a strange smile somewhere between amusement and condescending. Hermione cannot help as her eyes wander to Bellatrix, who shares the small look of disbelief.
"Well," Riddle smiles clearing his throat. "It truly is an honour to set eyes on you, Lady Morgana."
"Thank you, dear boy," Morgana replies her cup floating from her hand to rest on the table. "You turned out to be quite an adversary risk. You managed to locate my daughter, and prevent Merlin from tearing this world apart."
"Quite, now I think this is the best time to discuss the upcoming war. It cannot be delayed any further. We have strong numbers, almost equal on each side; now neither have a strong hold on Britain, I think it best if we took the country."
Riddle claims passionately, the battlefield running through his eyes planning their next steps. Scheming, forever scheming. Reclining, Morgana settles her gaze on the ex-minister, her thoughts impossible to read.
"We have the advantage, but it will be a bitter war." Riddle continues. "Bella and I were discussing this earlier; we should take the Ministry and Gringotts, anything after that will follow. Merlin will protect the Ministry however, this can be overcome."
"My, my, you have it all planned out." Morgana smiles a hand lifting to stroke the raven.
Jack, his name is Jack.
Hermione jerks in her seat, the voice so shocking she forgot what it was like to have her mother in her mind. Bella presses a reassuring hand to her back, Riddle sparing her a single look of confusion before continuing.
"Now, what do you think?" Morgana's voice rings like velvet through her mind.
I think it would be foolish to attack the Ministry; we may win the battle but lose the war. If we go in attacking, we will become the public enemy we must have the people, want it, they must want us to take the Ministry, otherwise, we will win one fight only to engage in another.
No reply follows, only silence reigns, filled by Riddle's battle plan and Morgana's thoughtful gaze. Straightening his jacket, Riddle turns to Morgana; Hermione has never seen such devotion. Riddle wanting Morgana's appraisal, such a strong wizard looking for another's praise.
"With you leading, the people will flock to us; the war will be won in no time," Riddle promises.
A hand curls against the soft cushion, elegantly lifting from the sofa, Morgana very presence fills the room. Eyes swirling, a hint of deep blue in the depths of the black, eyes Hermione has never seen before. The magic cracks in the air, the flames flashing, she moves to the fire.
The whole room following her move, waiting for her to speak to breathe life into Riddle's ideas. At the single word they will do as she says, they will ride to war. Hermione knows Riddle is right; the world would easily bow, but perhaps not willingly.
"That is perhaps the most ambitious plan I have heard, you have done your research." Morgana praises, her finger rotating, the flames licking in response.
"Thank you, I can prepare at a moment's…"
"None the less," Morgana interrupts turning to fix her gaze on the wizard. "It is a foolish and short-sighted plan. Fighting the Ministry will bring more harm than good, the people cannot be swayed, will not be forced into believing. There must always be the good and the bad, the dark and the light."
"Who are we?" Luna asks intrigued.
"We are neither, there is no such thing, and however the world needs to see a hero. Needs to see the goodness, someone to follow, to live up to, to envy. Britain is no good to us," Morgana disregards.
"It's our home," Bella replies speaking for the first time.
"I suppose it is, fear not Black, you will not be leaving."
"Excuse me?" Bella demands.
"You are a Professor,"
"I will fight."
"Yes, you will," Morgana confirms a dark smile gracing her lips. "Now, though, now you will teach. You will prepare the students, you will guide those lost. War is here but it has not started. As for the rest of us, Britain holds nothing yet; the people follow Merlin because he is Merlin. We will move we will build an empire abroad. Then we shall reclaim our homeland."
"How?" Luna questions.
"Envy, the world will watch as we give muggles positions, we give them power, we work together. They will watch our people eat, not starve nor struggle. We will bring countries together under one ruler, a united front, an empire worthy."
"Propaganda," Hermione says softly.
"We will fight on the front lines; we will fight in the planes of land where borders divide battle lines. Merlin will spread his word, spread his lies and the world will believe him until we prove otherwise. This is not a short game, this war may last years."
"You will lead us," Riddle nods satisfied. "The people will rally."
"No," Morgana shakes her head amused. "Why follow me? Why would the people follow me? The world is not what is used to be, no we need someone who understands muggles. Understands the people, someone betrayed by the 'chosen one' someone people respect. Who has proven against all the odds, they are worth the faith worth believing in."
Ice running through her veins, Hermione sits up straight turning wide-eyed to her mother who smiles in response. Rising to her feet, Hermione shakes her head; she is willing to fight but not strong enough to lead. She is not strong enough to lead a war especially not a wizarding war.
"No," Hermione breathes. "I am not a leader."
"No, you are a Champion and the world needs its champion. They need a Minister to guide them." Morgana states. "Who better than my daughter, my descendant to lead this world out of the brink."
"I'm not a leader; I don't know anything about war." Hermione scoffs.
"Leave," Morgana orders the others.
"No," Hermione interrupts the order. "Stay, I'll leave."
She flees the room; this cannot be happening she is not a leader. She cannot lead a war, her family is on the other side, and the Tonks will fight against them. A door opens startling her she half expects to see Morgana striding towards her. Surprised she grins at the familiar face as they drop a bag onto the floor.
Moving forward she engulfs Neville in a big hug, strong arms holding her tight. Smiling she steps back, holding Neville's arms, her fear shortly forgotten.
"Neville!" Hermione says. "What are you doing here?"
"Morgana summoned me," Neville answers.
Freezing, Hermione steps out of the embrace, staring at her friend in slight awe. How many people has Morgana touched?
"I heard you were leading, I'm here to sign up."
"Neville," Hermione argues feebly.
"Hermione," Morgana's voice drifts through the room, appearing in a blink before them.
Sick Hermione steps back as Neville drops to his knees bowing before Morgana. No one should bow, not her friends, not to anyone.
"Come." Morgana orders, flexing a finger.
Following, Hermione steps outside onto the balcony overlooking her garden. A fond smile decorates Morgana's lips as a hand idly strokes Hermione's hair.
"I was like you, a long time ago." Morgana chuckles. "When Arthur came to me explained I was to be married, such is my duty. Furious, I set his cloak on fire, I set my first intended alight, I watched him burn. My father furious, cast me out, I was only accepted back when he passed away. By then my resentment of muggles passed, I had learnt to control my powers. I do not want to scare you; I do not want to force this onto you."
Sighing, Morgana takes Hermione's cold hand. "I ask this of you, I ask you to rise, to take what is yours."
"I will not rule, I will not have people bow."
"They bow because they have to," Morgana replies. "Not by my choosing, our magic is so strong it forces them, but I shall teach you this. You will not be alone in this, I will help mentor, and Riddle will teach you all about politics. Luna will guide you and Black's strength will pull you through."
"You hate Black's."
"I do," Morgana nods. "I despise their very presence, but I will not forget it was she who broke you out of Azkaban. Nor will I ignore the ring you are bound by."
Blushing Hermione glances at her engagement ring, she had forgotten about it in all the excitement.
"You're okay with this?" Hermione asks.
"Okay is a strong word," Morgana answers uneasily. "I will grow to accommodate."
"Everything is changing."
"Nonsense, you have always wanted to be Minister."
"Not like this."
"The people need you more now than they ever did. You love her, do you not?"
"Yes, without doubt," Hermione answers confused.
"You will spend your life with her?"
"Yes, why?"
"A life will only exist if we win, without it, we lose everything we face." A hand squeezes Hermione's shoulder. "Consider this my love; I must speak with Riddle, to prepare ourselves."
Sighing, Hermione waits for Morgana to leave before resting her head against her arms. They expect a leader, not just a fighter. What happens if she leads them wrong? If she makes the wrong choice and people die.
Two warm arms slip around her waist a flow of hair covering her face. Smiling into Bella's curls, Hermione leans back into the embrace. If they lose, she will lose Bella. Bella could die, she could not allow that never allow that.
"She's talking to me," Bella whispers glancing towards the shut door. "Does that mean she's going to kill me in my sleep?"
"No," Hermione chuckles. "She knows we're engaged."
"And that's not bothering her?"
"I didn't say that."
"You don't have to do it," Bella says rubbing Hermione's back.
"If we don't win Bella, we will die."
"Yes, most likely." Bella nods. "Downside of war."
Turning, Hermione hugs the witch, pressing a kiss to the swan neck. If they win, she can persuade Andy to join them, can keep them safe. If they take back Britain, win the Aurors she will have Nymph safe, everything will be okay.
They could have a family, could start a life, where muggles and the wizarding world coincide. She smiles against the shoulder; she could lead them to a new world. Bring a new era bring peace. She grins into the shoulder she has her mother back. Now all she needs to do is bring the rest of the family back together.
Minister, it has a nice ring to it.
A/n: yay! Finally the story has truly begun, Morgana is here, Merlin will be revealed and war will rage. I seriously hope you are all buckled down, this is going to be a fun ride. Question remains though, is there a dark and a light or just the winning side? Till next time...