Disclaimer: Harry Potter and any characters within the movie or books belong to NBCUniversal. Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ronald Weasley are their characters and anything you recognize belongs to them. I own my original characters and my plot. I am not trying to pass any of these characters or copyrighted ideas off as my own and therefore it isn't plagiarism or copyright infringement. Also, I am not profiting off this work other than the practice of writing.
14. Power and Promise.
Hermione watched as Ron slept at the small table. Harry hovered over his friend with a look of fear and relief. She knew what he was thinking. He was relieved that Ron's broken attachment wounds were mended by Helena and so was she, but they were both worried about his current state. Maybe now he could finally let go of what wasn't to be between her and him. She hoped they would remain as good friends as before.
"I fear his healing is taking longer than I expected. I shall have one of my house maidens bring a small wagon, so you may get him to your cart." Helena turned to one of her ever present maidens who nodded and left the room.
"How do you think he will be when he wakes up?" Hermione had a curious streak when it came to magical healing.
"That is a good question. He could return to how he was before the hexing. He could be a stronger man from the experience. Only time will reveal the answer." Helena looked at her with her blue eyes. "You look as if you could use some healing as well."
Helena placed her hand on Hermione's back and instantly she felt a warmth swarm her body. She could feel her body pop all over. She could hear Helena's voice echo in her head. "Your poor body has seen much pain. Your soul has seen so much death, seen so much loss. Retain their lessons. This pain is not yours alone to bear anymore. I release your pain. May you grow from the release." Helena removed her hand and the warmth slowly dissipated. "What—what did you do to me?"
"I healed you in the way you needed to be healed. Now you will grow like a graceful oak tree and use this new freedom to help those who are in need. You will need that strength in what you are destined to face. Not just here but in your own time. May Mother's blessing be with you always, my friend." The two hugged just as the small wheeled cart was brought in for Ron.
"Hermione, lend me a hand with Ron please." Harry's voice broke her thoughts. They walked to the bench. Harry sat Ron up and turned his back to Harry's front. Harry put his hands under Ron's arms and linked his fingers across Ron's chest before lifting. Hermione grabbed his legs and grunted.
"Bollocks, he has been training a lot hasn't he? He weighs a ton!" She turned Ron sideways as she and Harry lowered him into the cart. Hermione looked down at him and thought he looked a little pathetic, like always, as his head rested on his chest with both arms and legs lying limply on the sides of the wagon. She shook her head and grabbed the rope in the front and pulled it down the dark hallway to the double doors.
She and Harry attempted to load Ron into the cart. The found it more difficult than she had thought. If it wasn't for Aalish just tossing him into the back onto the soft hay covering, she contemplated dragging the wagon behind the cart. She looked over at the door and watched as Aalish and Helena exchanged hushed words. She could see the intense look Helena gave the young teen. Aalish's shoulders slumped and she nodded. What was she telling her? Hermione's mind flitted through many different possibilities. Each one more horrible than the last, and it wasn't until Harry hugged her mentally that she stopped.
Hermione climbed into the bench seat and watched as Aalish climbed up and sat. "Aalish, what was that about?"
"I'd rather not discuss it right now. We need to get back to my mother with these supplies." Aalish grabbed the reigns and shook them. The horses pulled the cart as she turned the cart around on the wide street to head back to the castle.
The ride was a fairly quiet as they navigated the crowded market. Soon the gate to the palace courtyard came into view. As they passed under the arched gate, Hermione saw Questa talking and laughing with a new person. He was dressed in armor that she had seen in text books belonging to a Holy Roman Italian General. Both turned their heads to see them coming back. Questa smiled and waved, "Aalish, come meet your uncle!"
"Uncle, that man is your uncle?" Harry spoke behind them.
"Yes, my friend. He is my uncle Alcander, but I don't think he goes by that name here." She pulled the cart back in line with the others. Aalish then jumped from the cart and jogged to Questa.
"Welcome back Aalish. Did you get what you wanted?" Questa smiled while looking back at Hermione as she jumped from the cart.
"Aalish? Is this the sapling I saw so many years back?" Alcander beamed with pride as Hermione watched the man spoke. She heard Harry jump off the cart and follow behind her.
"Yes Uncle, but how do I address you? You aren't going by your true name are you?" Aalish turned and crossed her hands in front of her waist.
"Very astute my young niece, I am called Antonio Augustino. I am a General in the Holy Roman Army." He smiled at her then turned to look at Hermione. "Who are your friends?"
Hermione could feel light electricity in the air as she stared at his white-blue eyes. "I am Captain Hermione Granger." She turned behind her to face Harry and continued, "This is my friend and fellow captain, Harry Potter."
Behind her, Ron quickly sat up in the cart and exclaimed, "Bloody hell!"
"And that is our other friend Captain Ronald Weasley." Hermione shook her head and rolled her eyes. She could see Antonio smirk as he looked over at him.
"Welcome my friends and welcome to Constantinople. I must confess Eralina has told me some of your story and how valuable you three have been to our cause. Let me extend my thanks to you for that. Now I have a question for you three." Antonio rested his hands on his hips.
Hermione turned to watch Harry help Ron off the cart. Ron staggered slightly but Harry helped him gain his footing as they walked to her. "What is it you would like to know?"
"Up until this point you have seen some combat with the village of Aosta, but you were observers in those skirmishes. How prepared are you for a real battle?" Antonio's electric eyes scanned all three.
Hermione looked back at Harry and Ron who stood silently. Harry nodded to her before she turned around. "General, we have seen much combat in our world and time. There was a great and terrible wizard who wanted to rid our world of mug—humans. Harry, Ron, and I were instrumental in defeating him. We lost many of our friends and some of us lost family, yet we would do it again because if a price must be paid to have peace in the world we will gladly pay it."
Antonio smiled then looked back at Questa who was hugging Aalish before looking back at Hermione. "Well said Captain, Eralina chose well when she promoted you three. She has never failed to do the right thing."
"Thank you, great General. You honor us with your kind words." Hermione bowed her head and saluted.
Antonio clapped his hands together then rubbed them. "Alright, I am going to talk with Heather about our route to Jerusalem. I suggest you three prepare your men for the trip. If things go the way I hope, we will be making our assault in a few days."
Was the war really going to happen that soon? Hermione thought she was prepared but her heart skipped a beat at the realization that a lot of the soldiers she had gotten to know so well over the months would be dead. Her heart sank as she looked at her feet for a moment. She then looked over to Harry and Ron. She could see by their faces the realization of war hit them too. How well will they handle this?
Hermione, Questa, Aalish, Ron, and Harry guided the carts full of provisions back to the caravan. Eralina had already made her way back as did Maon, Dax, and Antonio. They passed by the first craft with its giant spoked wheels and made their way to the Fifteenth craft. This was where the supplies were stored. The side of the craft slowly opened up providing a ramp and ten of her men came down. "Take these supplies and stow them for travel. We will be leaving in the morning to Jerusalem."
The soldier saluted and the men went to work. Hermione unhooked both of her horses as did Harry and Ron. They held their bridals and guided the horses to the last craft where she ordered her men to stable and feed the horses. She turned to both Harry and Ron and sighed. "So, it's finally coming. The battle we have been dreading, but it's also our way back home."
"It seems so surreal really. I mean, we have been in battle before, but never close combat. We should work out a strategy." Harry looked back and forth between her and Ron.
Ron appeared to be lost in thought. His eyes raced back and forth as if he was remembering something. Hermione was growing concerned for him. "Ron, are you alright?"
Her words broke his eyes movement and he looked up at her as he was reminded she was still there. "I'm—I'm not sure. I am getting these flashes in my head, memories not my own, but I know everything about them."
"What do you mean?" Harry looked more intently at Ron. Hermione was wondering if Helena did some damage to his brain.
"I—I see memories of war, memories of fighting…fighting Grindelwald. I know that sounds nutters, but I can remember having a wizard battle and being led by…Eralina. Okay not Eralina herself, but a future incarnation." Ron looked down again as his eyes darted back and forth.
"Ron what are you saying?" Hermione felt she knew the answer, but needed to hear it from him.
"I think I'm one of them, tree kind. The crazy thing is in the battle with Grindelwald, Eralina or Sundra, combined his wand with that sword thing he does when he touches his shoulder. In our reality, he is actually the most powerful wizard in existence." Ron looked wide eyed at them both.
"I am confused. You're making it sound like Sundra defeated Grindelwald instead of Dumbledore defeating his once great love." Harry's brow was furrowed as if trying to work out a new puzzle. Hermione knew Harry never forgave the Headmaster from keeping so many secrets from him. He was just so devastated when he read the book written by Rita Skeeter.
"I'm sorry mate. Sundra outdid both Dumbledore and Grindelwald. Remember, in this world and our world he is a demi-god. You combine that with pure magic skills and he was unstoppable. Yet even then he didn't kill Grindelwald, he knew he was a puppet. So, he had him imprisoned for life in his own prison. When Voldemort came onto the scene most of us who fought before were too old or dead. That explains how Voldemort went unopposed for so long." Hermione could see Ron had a different look to his face. Something mature and confident in the way he spoke. He was no longer the immature, jealous, git he had been in their shared past.
"Yet, the history books said Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald. You have seen the memory orbs yourself Ron." Harry was correct but Hermione knew the answer to that statement.
"They were altered Harry. You should know that history is only written by the victors and even history books can be wrong. Remember how many books wrote down what happened to you as a baby, but held you as a hero and downplayed you're mother's hand in Voldemort's defeat. I'm sure this is something similar, isn't it obvious?" Hermione understood how Harry acted when he was flustered.
"Altered, why would Dumbledore alter the historical events?" Harry looked even more confused.
"Sundra told him to. Think about it mate, if Eralina doesn't want any recognition for her great deeds why would it be different in our universe? It's always been Sundra's goal to remain in the background. He's been present at every major historical event both muggle and pureblood. He rather they take the credit than himself. All with the goal of stopping his brother and bringing him home to be healed." Ron's knowledge of an event that technically hadn't happened in the current universe, and happened before they were born in their universe, impressed Hermione. Maybe he was tree kind.
"Do you know who you would have been then?" Hermione was starting to wonder what else Ron could remember.
"I—it's hard because when you awaken…your memory is spotty. Don't worry I'm sure it will come back to me." Ron smiled.
Hermione was going to ask him more questions when a messenger came to them. "Captains Granger, Potter, and Weasley I have orders from Eralina."
"What is it?" What orders could she be giving on the eve of their pending travels?
"You are to prepare the men to depart before sunrise. She also instructs you to increase our water stores with your magic. The desert this time of year is expected to be very hot." The messenger bowed then ran back to the lead cart.
Hermione shrugged, "I guess we've got some water to summon." She turned to Ron, "Don't think this discussion is over. You will tell me everything that you remember!"
Ron wrinkled his nose, "It's not like I remember it all clearly. It's bits and pieces really and it doesn't make much sense to me right now."
Harry scoffed, "I thought you remembered everything when you woke up? Also, don't they usually awaken earlier than this? Why are you not waking up until now?"
Ron groaned, "I'm not barmy, give me some time. I'm not a bloody Red Oak, okay. There are different species of tree kind, and not all of them wake up the same. I'm a-"
Hermione watched him as he went silent and his face scrunched up as he tried to think. She was impressed because she hadn't seen his face that focused when he wasn't focused on a challenging game of Wizard's Chest. It was almost like he was practicing Occlumency for the first time and trying to sort a bunch of fragmented memories into their correct places. However, his face wasn't closed off, so she knew it wasn't Occlumency. She wasn't sure he had ever learned mind magic.
His face started to change color as if he was holding his breath. He then let out a strangled breath and breathed in quick pants. He sighed and his blue eyes had an otherworldly glow to them, "I'm Cypress. We have fought with Sundra from before Tukdra and Grundfrund turned on us. We might even meet some of my kind when we get to the final battle. Our women are just as strong as our men and we fight side by side. I can access some of the information, but it is still so muddled. Do you have any books on Occlumency in that beaded bag of yours? I remember how ordering my mind has helped me during past awakenings. Perhaps it will help me work through this muddled mess faster."
Hermione nodded and pulled out a beginner book to Occlumency from her bag. She was starting to believe Ron. He was acting far different to how he did before Helena healed him. Perhaps the Empress awoke him as well. He was a new fountain of knowledge and the sooner he sorted through it, the sooner he could share it with her. She just had so many questions and he held some of those answers.
Ron opened the book and started reading at the table in their cabin. He waved his wand and summoned water into the jars that she and Harry conjured or transfigured while he read. Hermione tried not to stare, but he was completely different. Did this happen every time someone of tree kind awoke? One last question escaped her lips before she could think what she was asking, "Ron, what's your tree name?"
Ron looked up from the book and his eyes ebbed and flowed with energy like the ocean did water. Were the Cypress affiliated with water? An aura whipped up around him and crashed around him like a tsunami on the beach. His voice grew ethereal as he spoke, "I am Aegeus Cypress. I am a leader of the Cypress army and we are led by Rainart and Alcander under Sundra."
Hermione could hardly breathe as the energy in the cabin grew far too heavy. It was like Ron had lost control of his magic and wasn't aware that he was suffocating them. She wasn't sure what they should do. Her brain was going fuzzy from lack of oxygen and she couldn't concentrate enough to apparate out with Harry. Just when she thought she would succumb to oxygen deprivation. The cabin door burst open and she stared at the familiar pink eyes of Maon.
His voice thundered, "What are you called now?"
Ron shuddered, "I'm Ronald Weasley." All the energy dissipated and was sucked back into his body. His brow furrowed, "I'm sorry that I let that get away from me. You'd think I'd have better control."
Maon chuckled, "It happens to the best of us. So, I'm a bit surprised to discover you are one of us. Just who are you?"
"I'm Aegeus Cypress. I'm sure you remember me, but I wish I knew where Athansia was. I remember his disappearing before the Crusades in our universe. However, she was Tonks. I'm not sure what happened to her in between. I am sure that I had other lives with her, but I can't remember."
"Well my cousin, welcome back to the fold. I do caution however, with you coming to us from a different time and universe we do have your counterpart currently with us. I do hope you understand that I need you to stay in this lesser role. Once we have returned you to your proper universe you will still have a place with us." Hermione knew Maon was very wise and he was right. There would be two Aegeus' in the army now.
"As you wish m'lord. I shall keep to my friends and keep my role small." Ron bowed his head then stood back straight.
"That pleases me, thank you cousin." Maon smiled then turned to Hermione and Harry. "Don't worry you two he's still your friend. He's just found himself now. I will see you in the morning." Maon bowed his head slightly the left their cabin.
"Right Ron, keep what you were doing but try not to have another outburst. That nearly killed us." Harry looked back at his friend while Hermione turned to do her work.
"Sorry about that Harry. I will get better, I promise." Ron's voice sounded behind her.
Now that it was confirmed he was tree kind, how will that impact the coming battle? Would he lose all control or will he help them achieve their goal to get home?