I am sooooo sorry for this. This is not the beta verson but she has not gotten back to me with either chapters 11 or 12 so here it is in the raw. I have been so busy these past months with finals, then work and fmailt crisis I just didnt have a chance but I hope to finnish up this stiry sooner ratherthen latter so here you go.
Chapter Eleven: Bound
Rome: "Gemma, father wants to speak to you," spoke a dark haired man in his late forties. "Thank you Dante," they young woman walked past her brother to her fathers study. The older wizard sat in his study a parchment in his hand and a sad look on his face.
"Albus has called upon us. He wants you to be the envoy but I am not sure that is safe for you."
"Father I can do it, have I not proven myself worthy of the Pegasus?"
"It is not that Gemma, I just would feel better if Dante or Armand went."
"I am equal with them father, they may have years on me but I am just as strong if not stronger in magic. I do not wish to seem conceited but you trained me, you know my power."
"It is not that I doubt your skill daughter I just don't want to put you in danger. I had four sons by my first love, one lost to me during the last dark times along with his mother. My second love which was late in my life left me but gave me you. I will not love again, I need you Gemma."
"Father I will never leave you by choice, but I truly believe that this is what I am meant to do."
Vencentio observed his daughter. Her power was extremely strong for a young woman but he still feared for her. He was getting on in his years and hoped to have he daughter safe by his side till he died. He loved his sons, but his only daughter was a precious gift to him. He glanced at the platinum and emerald bracelet around her wrist.
"You will leave Lorenzo?"
Gemma dropped her coffee colored eyes onto the gift by her intended. Vencentio had arranged his daughter to a noble man who was a leader in their order and was a good match for her. She did not argue the arrangement for the love of her father and because she was never one to live in a fantasy of true love.
"I am sure he will survive without me for a while."
"He will let you go?"
"It is not his choice father, it is mine and I want to go."
"If this is truly what you think is best then I give you my blessing."
"Thank you father, I could not leave in good hope with out your blessing."
"Take it child and may Aradia be with you every step."
Hermione woke up Sunday morning warm and snug in George's arms. Her back was pressed next to his bare chest; his warm breath ticked her neck. She was utterly happy and for once in her life she did not want to go back to Hogwarts. Here in her Ivory Tower she didn't need to deal with Malfoy and the Dark Lord. George cuddled closer and his silky pajama pants rubbed against her exposed legs. He kissed her neck and shoulders and she sighed into the gentle affection. "Gods" he murmured as he looked at the night stand timepiece, "I am getting up earlier and earlier."
"George it is nearly nine!"
"I know!" he said with a smile. "I guess I just can't wait to see you."
"Smooth talker," she teased as she turned to look him in the face.
"You know I try." He paused for a moment staring into her eyes "I don't want you to go back to Hogwarts today, I know you probably want to go back but I feel better having you here in my arms," he pulled her in tighter and kissed her nose.
"Love, I would rather stay here trust me."
"My little lioness doesn't want to go back to school?" he said in fake astonishment and pretended to faint.
"Prat! Granted I do love to learn and all that but right now all that matters to me is the life I have here...with you."
"Glad to know it." He pulled her in for a deep kiss. When he broke away he smiled.
"Care for a bath love?"
"I would love one." Then Hermione noticed the grin added "No love you can't come." Then seeing the disappointed look on his face finished with "yet."
George tried to look put out but suddenly the idea of being with her intimately was making a certain part of his body respond.
Too soon after they started their day the time came to deliver her safely to the hands of the Headmaster.
"Father I want her so badly." Draco whined to his father.
"I know son she is a rather nice…specimen of a mudblood but you will just have to wait."
"Saturday can not come soon enough."
"You may have to wait longer then that son I am afraid."
"What! Why?"
"Our Lord wishes to keep her in his manor house for a while."
"Will he have her?" Draco asked disgust laced in his voice
"He will do what he pleases" was all he was able to answer.
Toledo Spain: The Order of Garuda sat around the headquarters high table. The white and red robes of the members simmered in the candle little hall. The leader who was also a high priest and mage in the arts of Merlin stood to address he highest ranking members. His hair which was once the richest black was now streaked in silver and his dark eyes scanned the faces around the giant round table. He stood, his red robes settling gracefully
"My fellow members the darkness is raising within England, our brothers and sisters called to us in need of aid. Albus Dumbledore and his Order of the Phoenix have asked that we send our ambassador this weekend, the movement is starting. I have elected to send Isabella on the mission. Are there any objections to this?
"Si," cried a middle age member "Do you not think you ought to send someone who has more experience?"
"Who is it to say that I lack in the experience needed to fulfill this duty?" asked a young woman in white robes.
"Pardon me Isabella but you have only been a member por tres anos."
"Yes and a level two war mage for five, youngest one in my class may I remind you, but if this counsel doesn't see fit to send me so be it." She finished
"I say send her," said an elder woman in white "she has proven herself enough to have my trust."
"She has my vote as well," a young man who was new to the orders inner circle added. He smiled at her, his eyes sparked as he looked at her.
"Lets put it to a vote then," announced their leader "all those in favor raise your wands." Out of the twenty-five members twenty white lights shot to the cathedral ceiling of the old castle.
"It is done; Isabella the member from the Phoenix will be meeting you in less then a week to bring you to England. We will be contacted with information shortly, this meeting is dismissed." The members started to get up and Isabella went straight for her leader, mentor and friend "Rogelio?"
"Si, Isa?"
"Why did you really choose me?"
"You were the best one for the job; I trust you and know you will make the best, level headed decisions."
"Es la verdad?"
"Si, es la verdad. Your parents would be very proud of you."
"Gracias, I should start preparing."
"Now don't go scaring that poor Englishman."
"What the one who came before? Why would he be afraid of me?"
"Isabella you are gorgeous, but anyone who did not know you the way I do would be scared witless once they see you wield a wand or sword."
She denied her beauty to all ends. She didn't want people to notice her for that. She was a rear type of Spanish woman, russet hair, lightly tan skin and sparkling blue green eyes. Often on missions she would hide her identity with a veil or robe hood.
"Now before you go denying anything it looks like you little admirer is waiting for you," commented Rogelio. Isabella looked toward the entrance and their stood Diego the same young man who had "voted" for her earlier. He had been attempting to court her for months now and was not getting the hint. He didn't even like dragons for Merlin's sake.
"Do not stomp on his corazon Isa, dragons are not everything."
"I will try but he can not take a hint."
Hermione was rather shocked at her behavior once she had time to replay the weekend back on Sunday. She would have never done anything remotely close to how she had in the glade or at home. Home? Was that what the Ivory Tower was? Yes it was because George was there. George just did something to her that no else had ever done. The feeling to want to touch him and have him touch her was new to her but exciting. She was still a little afraid of the whole idea of actually making love with him but it was the myths of pain and such that made her worry. She was sure George would be as gentle as possible when the time came.
She thought about the rite that would be happening at the end of the week. She knew it was the only bond the Voldemort could not breach. Even the holy vows of marriage could be broken with dark magic. With this potion no one could touch her except George and family. He was also willing to take this potion. He was willing binding himself to her. When in the extremely short time that they came to truly know each other had such strong emotion build within there hearts and souls?
"I'm in love him" she said out loud in the empty dorm.
For the next five days that thought went through her head. Often time's people saw her smile randomly and could only guess at her happiness. She was not allowed to travel anywhere alone after the Malfoy attack. She now did her rounds with a professor and was to be attached to Ron and Harry when going to classes.
Ron on Thursday had finally apologized for his behavior and Hermione had thanked him for saving her. Harry and Ginny smiled on as they watch their dear friends finally reconcile. Harry, Ron and Ginny walked her to her room; Ginny had been staying in her dorm with her just a safety precaution until the rite was completed. As Hermione listened to the youngest Weasley drift into sleep she stared at her canopy. Tomorrow was the rite and she was more then a little nervous but she knew it was the only way. She fell into a light sleep wondering what the next dawn would bring.
"Conrad, member of the Order of Hydra, you have been charged with the task of emissary to England, do you accept this position and whatever consequences may come from it."
"I Conrad, loyal member of the Order of Hydra do agree to take on this role as emissary to England, no matter the consequences."
"Then rise and join your Order." The blond man in his thirties arose to the applause of the high counsel. He sat and listened to the briefing, the rise of so called Death Eaters where on the raise in Austria. This was a key reason for his trip to England. When the meeting was adjourned the high chancellor of the Order, Baldwin, called Conrad to him.
"My I have a word Conrad."
"Oh course Chancellor."
"You realize that this mission may last a long span of time and is riddled with danger."
"Yes but I could not refuse an assignment."
"How will you explain this to Viveka?"
"As I always have I suppose."
"Best of luck Conrad may the strength of Hydra guide you and bring you back in one piece."
Conrad left the secret chamber to head home and explain to his wife that he would again be leaving, but this time for only Merlin would know how long. He appeared on the outside of the gate. Their home was situated in the Austrian countryside. The sun had long since dropped below the horizon and the sliver of a moon hung high in the sky. He looked up to the house and saw the parlor light but the rest of the house lay in darkness. When he entered he saw the dark curly hair of his wife hanging over the couch, before he even had a chance to say a word she spoke
"You are leaving again aren't you?"
"Yes my dear I am."
"For how long this time?"
"It is unknown, as long as I am needed." When she didn't say anything he asked "Are you upset?"
"Yes and no Conrad. I know you must do these things but I want you home. You hardly know our children, and I feel like I am a widow."
"I do this now Viveka so that I can come home and not have to worry about evil engulfing what I love the most. I do this for Roderick and Leyna. I want to be here, have no doubts of that, but I need to make this world safer."
"I know my love, I know."
"Where are the children?'
"Long since in the realm of Morpheus."
"I will kiss them good night then I would like you to come to bed with me."
"How can I deny you, husband?"
George arrived in the headmaster's office at six o'clock on Friday night. Hermione would be heading down to dinner and he wanted to see her, talk to her before they went through with the rite. He made his way through the curving passages to the main hall. He saw the lovely head of bushy hair sitting near the end of the Gryffindor table. As if sensing his presence her head turned and they locked eyes, in a split second Hermione was engulfing him in a warm hug. He breathed in deeply her wonderful sent of rose. Only when cat-calls could be heard did she pull away and took his hand and brought him to the table.
"I have missed you so much." She whispered in his ear while giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"I have missed you too; the Ivory Tower seems so empty without you in it." He returned while wrapping his arm around her waist.
"Ivory Tower?" Ginny asked after swallowing her potatoes
"Yeah that is what we have named the cottage." Hermione replied with her head resting on Georges shoulder.
'Apparently she is okay with what is going to happen tonight' thought George as he watched her 'I like this affectionate Hermione, maybe she will fall in love with me as I have fallen in love with her'.
He looked up and noticed Ron trying to control his anger, and nearly failing. He whispered down to Hermione "I was hoping we could talk in privet before tonight."
"Of course love, lets go I am all finished," she whispered back. They made existed with only a few embarrassing comments yelled their way. George led her out onto the front steps of the castle.
"Are you ready for tonight?" he asked has he pulled her toward him and draped his cloak around her as well. The bitter cold was alive and well in the October night.
"As ready as I can be," she cuddled in closer to his warm body "Are you ready?"
"Yes, I have no doubts of this, you will be safe and that is all that matter to me now."
She looked up and kissed him, long and deep on the lips then a subtle cough from behind them made them break the kiss. They were met with the piercing ebony eyes of Professor Snape.
"I think you best come with me now," came the velvety voice of the potions master.
The young couple followed the billowing robes all the way down to the deepest part of the dungeons the path was dark musky. Suddenly Snape stopped in-front of a giant statue of what held an eerie appearance to a Basilisk. Hermione shuttered at the memory and George tightened his hold on her. Snape whispered the password and the giant snake slithered around revealing a pitch black doorway.
In the center of the space was a large stone which was flat like a slab surrounded by candles which flared to life when they passed through the portal. It was bitter cold and Hermione wondered why there seem to be a breeze when she realized the floor she was walking on was actually ground.
"Where are we?" George asked as he attempted to soak in his surroundings.
"That Mr. Weasley was a portal to what some would call the forgotten land. We are now where the magical land of Avalon once stood in the days of Merlin."
"You can feel the magic pulsing in the air." Hermione barley whispered in awe. She held her hands out to feel the air vibrating around her.
"Yes Ms. Granger this is a very powerful place and having preformed this rite here the magic created will be far more strong then done elsewhere. Now I suggest you take these," he handed then a bundle of clothes "and I will be in the safe house near by. Send up the green flare when you are done." And without another word Professor Snape swept out of the clearing into the dense forest. The tree canopy blocked out the stars and left the two feeling utterly venerable. George turned to Hermione the buddle in his arms "Love, are you ready."
"Yes." She took the flimsy white garment she was meant to wear and looked at him. "Could you turn around while I get dressed?"
"Of course," George turned around while Hermione readied herself for the rite and wondered just what would happen now. He to removed his clothes and placed the thin white pants and open necked shirt on and waited for her to make the first move.
Omar walked quickly to his tent. The sun seemed to be getting hotter and hanging in the sky longer these days. He was glad to be going to England. From what he had heard it is often rainy and cold, a nice change from the sweltering heat of Cairo. He lifted the hanging door and walked in. He had not changed the tent in two months. The reminder off the former resident was still untouched.
'He left me for those bastards' he thought has he begun to pack away the necessities of the trip. When he was just about finished he heard someone approaching. Sumehra entered, she untied her veil and exposed her face. She smiled at Omar. "Ready already I see."
"One can never be too prepared, you taught me that."
"Then you have learned well. I seem to wonder though if you are not only going on the assignment but running from this."
"Running from what?'
"You know very well what, you can not make or control his decisions. He not only betrayed the Order but his own family! He will pay for that dearly when the time comes." She stopped to take a breath and watch his face. "We all care about you Omar, I gave you this assignment because I know you will serve the Order with the dignity and respect that I know you have carried within you since the moment I met you."
"I will do all that I can Sumehra," he bowed his head over her dainty hand that he knew could be deadly when armed. He kissed the ring the showed her rank as there leader, as was the custom. Sumehra gentle placed her hand on his check and raised his face to hers "I know you will Omar," she said looking directly at him, not doubt shone in her dark eyes. After a moment they had established a connection and she spoke once more "Now I must leave you, the Sphinx in all her confusing glory will guide you through," and with that she disappeared into the desert. Omar watches as her colorful robes vanished into the sun.
Hermione turned around to find George dressed in a translucent outfit that mimicked her own. She walked up and placed a small and tentative hand on his shoulder. When he turned around he looked her over. Her graceful curves were hugged by the delicate cloth. The candles cast dramatic shadows that made her seem like a long ago priestess of Avalon. She merely looked at him, her dark eyes taking in this picture of Adonis that was George. Slowly she spoke
"Did you read the procedures that Professor Snape sent you?"
"Of course and I am sure you have it completely memorized."
She smiled slightly then became serious "we should start."
George nodded his head and began to lead her to the north end of the slab indicated by a black pillar candle.
Silently hand and hand they walked three times around the circle of candles. With the circle created it was time for George to bind Hermione to him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and guided her into the circle. Usually the woman would be struggling but Hermione merely followed. He lifted her easily and laid her flat on the stone slab. George stared down at her. She had dropped into the trance. The stone was fortified with a tranquility spell to subdue any unwilling witch but now it was used to calm nerves. George still felt odd about having to do this to her. He leaned down, though it was not the best situation he had to tell her, "I am in love with you Hermione."
George moved another three times around the stone slab only this time walking counter clock wise in order to seal the sacred circle. Pick up on each rotation the vials of potion, a dagger, and the cord made of entwined red, blue and green. When he halted his final turn he faced the altar where Hermione lay. Her eyes where so heavy lidded that they were nearly closed. Her hair fanned around her in a halo. He lightly trailed his hand from her shoulder to her hand. He turned it over and raised the palm to the sky. With the dagger in his other hand he slowly lowered the blade to her life line. He whispered an apology as he dragged the blade across her delicate skin.
As the rich red blood made it way through her damaged flesh George turned the blade to his own hand and inflicted the same treatment. He clasped their bleeding hands together "May our blood mingle in the eternal bond. When added to this potion may it bind out minds, bodies and souls." He brought forth the vials that held the slivery potion. Uncorking one vial he let their blood drip into the liquid. As the blood mixed in the potion turned a pure white. "I give you this Hermione Granger to bind you to me in mind, body and soul. You are forever mine and I forever yours." George brought the vial to Hermione's lips and poured the fluid down her throat. He then did you same merely switching the names in the enchantment. As the warm fluid passed his lips he marveled at the warm sweet taste that filled his mouth. Clasping their hands so their blood mingled the enchanted cords rose and wrapped around there hands sealing the binding. There was a blinding flash of light followed by darkness.
Charlie waited in a dark ally way in the center of Spain. He thought of Bill in Egypt and Fred in Austria. He was meeting two of the envoys and waited silently in the shadows. Soon in the distance a group of cloaked figures appeared and began to head his way. Wand at the ready, he prepared to greet either the envoys or a pack of death eaters. As they moved closer Charlie noticed the crescent moons hanging around the necks of the forward walkers. Emerging from the shadows he confronted the quad of people. "Peace tonight friends?" he asked the ancient greeting. Two of the figures moved forward bowed slightly and answered "If you be friend of Morgain peace is between us tonight." The voices were distinctly feminine and foreign. The two front figures moved forward and dropped there hoods, one still wore a veil across her face but the crescent moon of Avalon shown brightly around there necks.
I hope it was worth the wait. Sorry again for that
much love MoonFey
