The Druidic Cleansing

by Embrathiel

The Druids leave behind their anonymity and send an ambassador to aid in the fight against Voldemort who is far more powerful than in cannon. The magical world must cope with a forgotten people, a dark god, and a trans-gender heroine they were not prepared for. Horcrux and Hallow concepts altered to compliment a new magic system. No bashing, HPotter/HGranger/DErmaine

21. Chapter 19: Foundations

Harry Potter is owned by J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 19:

Foundations

From the depths of the sea your legend lingers; ever bright and lost to our questing. A concept, a dream, a mystery a myth. Rather than remain in the shadows of history, arise within our hearts and minds, anew in glory. Arise from our plans as you know you were meant to be; guide our intention and return yourself to this world as solid as stone. You are to remain immaterial no longer. You are hope and power. You are Atlantis.

**TDC**

Wednesday, January 3, 1996

When dinner concluded without fireworks, as it nearly had the previous night from Hepatica's announcement, there was an audible sigh from the student body. For all they knew, Sirius Black had smacked down Albus Dumbledore after his improper treatment of Hepatica, and after that, it was all mystery. The numbers of students who had approached Hepatica during mealtimes today had surprised Daela. Anyone who approached was kind and offering well-wishes while clearly restraining what she was sure was a torrent of questions. Her friend handled it well though even after her private expression of anxiety when it came to the general populace.

What the student body was not aware of however, was that after dinner Sirius had barged in to the headmaster's office in a towering rage. Due to no eavesdropping charms whatsoever did they learn that he had bellowed at the older man for nearly fifteen minutes before informing him that if he even dared to mess with his god daughter then his tenure at Hogwarts would be ripped away from him. And since they had certainly not listened in without his permission, there certainly was not a surprise party thrown for him in the Spire afterwards. And since by no means had the twins been involved in the planning were there pranks lined up for the next two weeks involving the headmaster.

Nope, Daela knew that none of that had happened. Not at all.

Daela set down her fork and watched as strands of magic whisked it and her plate away. The House Elves were a curious race, one she was not entirely certain about. It was clear that Hermione had a soft spot for them, but it was also obvious that the magic that infused them was not to be altered so easily. Servitude of some degree was required to sustain them, be it to a family or ideal. Unfortunately, teaching them all to follow the ideal of freedom, as Dobby was doing, would not be simple, or even feasible really due to their indoctrination. Their race had once been proud and independent, but that had been thousands of years ago. One clear fact though was that their magic nearly always claimed priority over the wand based magic of modern society. Had their power been granted greater favor simply so they could serve their masters?

Her attention flicked to the high table as Professor Sybill Trelawney rose to her feet with a wobble. The poor woman had clearly not been instructed properly in her art, and had been suffering for it for who knew how many years. Daela stood, giving her excuses and followed the miserable woman from the hall. No, divination was not an art that could be learned, but that did not mean it was Sybill's fault, she likely didn't know either. She felt badly, considering that talking to the Seer had been a priority at the beginning of the school year. Yet she had failed to follow up on that goal and was addressing it now four months late. Ah well, no one was perfect.

When they were approaching the seventh floor of the north tower, Daela called out to the professor who spun about in the middle of the staircase. Fortunately she caught herself but Daela still felt like it was her fault that the woman nearly tumbled.

"Can I, help you, child?" she stammered.

"Well," Daela continued as she drew level with her, "I wanted to speak with you about something. Do you have a moment?"

Nodding, Sybill turned about and continued walking. "You are, the Druid child, are you not?"

"I am."

"Are you the reason that one of my students did not return for their O.W.L. year?"

Daela grimaced. "Well, I don't know if it is entirely my fault. She made her own decision but asked me for advice."

"Ah."

Together they climbed the ladder and entered in to a room that made Daela's head hurt. Really, did anyone need this much perfume and gauze? Wow, the woman really was suffering. Daela knew this could happen, but she hadn't ever seen the results of a blocked seer before since the patient had always been treated before it went so far. Perhaps patient was improper; student seemed more accurate. They each sat down in the available squashy armchairs and the older woman summoned a bottle of brandy from her quarters. Reminding herself that it wasn't the woman's fault, Daela straightened as much as she could in the chair and addressed her.

"Ms. Trelawney, I will not keep you long. I wish to discuss with you a matter that is of a concern to my people, but also one that is curable." Not answering her, Trelawney took a long swig of the potent alcohol. "Well, yes. The matter is of Seers. We ensure that all Seers within our people are well trained and informed of their gifts, but I worry that you may have not been fully informed. I only say this due to the fact that you are displaying several symptoms indicative of someone who was not properly prepared for their gifts."

Two bulbous eyes fixed her through the large glasses surrounded by numerous scarves. "I am the granddaughter of one of the most renowned Seers girl, how could you think I was not trained properly?"

"I do of course mean no offense to either yourself or those responsible for you in your younger years, but of course, I will explain. When a Seer's gift is blocked from them due to lack of insight, it manifests this block in several ways. First is to note that you may have had one or more prophecies or accurate predictions in your lifetime; a blocked gift is never entirely kept away from you. When blocked, your gift can make you cold and uncomfortable, as if nothing about the world is enough to keep you warm or safe. Often people turn to alcohol or some other drug either a stimulant or inhibiter. Not only that but blocking the gift held in your inner eye can also dampen eyesight as frequently matters of the third eye affect. Without knowing more about you I could not delve deeper, but from what I am seeing, you exhibit the classic signs."

Trelawney had continued to drink during Daela's explanation but corked the bottle at her conclusion and banished it back to its home. "So tell me then girl what exactly my gift is supposed to be like if this is not it; because let me tell you, no one has ever implied my lack of training ever before."

Flinching slightly at the woman's harsh tone, Daela continued, speaking gently. "To begin, a Seer should always remember their predictions, always. There is magically no reason why they shouldn't as they are the conduit, not a puppet. Second, while yes, everyone has their own personality and quirks, you should still be more comfortable than you are, brought on by confident feelings of the future. No Seer knows everything that is to happen, but a more open sense of intuition does help guide them.

"Third, intentional viewings should be much more accurate than you seem to be, no offense ma'am. Finally, every Seer has the ability to push past the veil and view the future with stark clarity. This viewing however drains their entire gift and can kill them in they are weakened. It is rarely used, and from records, it is more an act of desperation than anything, but these predictions tend to be very detailed and helpful. This happens either by the conscious action of the Seer, or when they die, whether it be from natural causes or some other means."

"So you are saying that I'm only ever going to be at my best when I die?"

Wow that was sadly morbid and accurate. "I would hardly say so ma'am. It is more that your gift emphasizes itself only once and that is when you expire. You are at your best when you choose to be."

"Oh good then, that makes me feel loads better." The sarcasm was thicker than the brandy she'd been drinking. "So then what am I supposed to do exactly?"

"Well as I'm not a Seer, I am not privy to the art, however if you like I can provide you with some options."

"Go on then."

"The first is a book written a few centuries ago by a prominent Seer from France which has proven very helpful to some of my people. Another option is visiting the Druids and receiving direct training from…"

"The book will do. I have no interest in displaying my pathetic gift to someone who thinks themselves better than me."

"They wouldn't…"

"The book child, that will be enough. If it works then I will be in your debt. Let's leave it at that for now, I'm tired."

Rising, Daela dipped her head trying to at least be polite. "Yes ma'am. I will collect it for you immediately. Thank you for seeing me, I just wish to help where I may."

Trelawney nodded, her bleary eyes drooping. "Thanks anyway. We'll see what comes of it."

Daela left the Seer to her brooding, dropping down from the trapdoor without using the ladder. She strengthened her legs with earth and landed silently upon the stone corridor below. Perhaps she could have handled that situation better, but how many positive ways were there to tell someone that they were miserable because someone hadn't trained them properly. If she knew the skills requisite she would have been happy to teach the woman, but it seemed the professor preferred to stay alone rather than learn from someone directly anyway. If only there had been a better way to go about that conversation.

As it were, all she could do about it now was give her the resources available and hope for the best. Currently she had more far reaching matters to attend to in the Spire. As it had been agreed upon to establish a new home and base of operations, they had to actually begin moving forward. The difficulty they faced though was that none of the Druids were architects; considering how none of their homes had been relocated in centuries. Yes, they knew what they wanted, but that didn't mean the logistics were any easier. Tonight was likely to be frustrating and confusing.

Entering the Spire and turning in to the room designated as the project planning room, Daela was surprised to see Draco Malfoy sitting at the large table with the seven Druids she had asked to be present. They all, including Draco, dipped their heads in welcome to her. The young Malfoy rose and stepped forward.

"Daela, I do not intend to intrude, but I heard your team discussing the logistical challenges of this plan. I'm not much more skilled at it perhaps but I have some understanding of estate planning, which may be of aid to you."

She smiled genuinely and gave him a quick embrace. "You need not ask permission to help save this world Draco. I in fact will take it gladly, please, join us."

He looked shocked at her hug but at her words he returned her smile and joined the table once more. Taking control of the room, Daela asked, "So, where are we so far?"

"Thus far we have determined some of the important requirements of the completed project. We thought it prudent to determine exactly what we need prior to constructing a plan." That came from Salys, an earth master from Ireland. He was renowned in his craft, and known as the Artist of Stone. The things he could do with that element. Daela had asked for his presence as he was likely to be in charge of the actual building.

"Lovely. What have you generated so far?"

"First and foremost we need to be able to provide housing to a potentially growing population. Security is key, so the design must implement a solid ward scheme in addition to being able to channel ritual magic as needed. We also need a focal point as well as enough overall space for all else that may be required in such a project."

Draco raised his hand slightly off the table as he spoke. "Daela, I was just introducing the concept of districts. Obviously you are all aware of them, but especially for such a large matter as this, I think they will be more important than ever."

"I agree," she said. "We will need gardens and homes, training grounds and a school. Markets and magical centers. There is a lot to involve here. It is also important to consider, primarily, to add the need for incorporating the circle, as it is required for our more potent magics, as well as the compass directions for alignment purposes."

"Well," Draco continued, looking thoughtful, "What if the entire project was in circular form, and each district was held within a ring, growing larger the farther from the center they are." As he spoke, Salys moved his fingers, causing the surface of the table to shift, displaying concentric rings and further and finer details as the young Malfoy continued. "If we determined the importance of each district we could place it in the correctly sized ring. And, I know it's probably crazy, but what about this. Let's say we have eight outer towers around the outer edge of the plan; but instead of specifically aligning them for a particular time of year, as you normally do, what if we made it so that the entire structure, or city, or whatever, could rotate."

His words were greeted by silence. This was not a silence of rejection however. Daela could see the implications shining in the eyes of her fellow Druids. Yes, the entire idea was massive and might seem impossible, but if they could pull it off, the potential was staggering.

"Well Mr. Malfoy, that is a truly progressive thought. I believe we all see how important that could be if we made it work. I think that before we continue we should next consider location."

"Well, I kind of had a thought about that too."

"Oh?"

"Yes, well, uh, Har-damnit, sorry. Hepatica said that it would be better to have it outside the range of any country. If we need that, and the ability to turn it, I believe we already have our answer."

As he continued to speak, Daela wondered at his growth in the last few months, and at just how important his thoughts were already proving to be. Yes, Draco Malfoy was certainly a strength and Daela was very glad she had stolen him from the ideals of his father with such a simple statement about himself. He still held several biases she would love to shift a mite, but he was trying. And trying was what really mattered.

"I would question though, whether or not a city with rotating sections would be able to conduct energy with the current method we utilize."

That was Caitlyn, one of their experts on energy transfer through solid objects. Through the efforts of her family, many innovations had been made in ward schemes and magical storage of latent energy. Daela was glad the woman was present, for she hadn't even considered the possible difficulty this might present. The others grew silent and contemplative, but Draco looked understandably confused.

"I presume I am missing something unique to elemental power." His statement was directed at Caitlyn and Daela saw a hint of the cold look he once bore on a daily basis. No, the young man did not like being left out of critical information. At least his words did not carry the bite they once would have.

"Ah, yes, I apologize. I am not aware of how far your training has progressed so please stop me if you are already familiar with a concept. You may be familiar with rune stones, or the common ones at least, which are carved and set in place before being charged with magic to activate them. Often they are placed on or near ley lines to allow for passive charging." Draco nodded and so she pressed forward.

"This is an effect we have attempted to replicate without relying on ley lines and I have to say we have gotten rather close of late. Using spirit allows us to interact with the magic around us, and mental energies allow us to perceive it in ways that allow for manipulation. Just like you can use your wand to charge a typical ward stone, we can use spirit and mental magic to charge diamond and crystal. This is a direct energy ratio, so ultimately it is not very useful or effective unless charging a stone is made the primary focus of one's life."

Draco shifted in his chair and cocked his head. "Direct energy ratio?"

"Say you take the amount of energy it would require to hold an object weighing two stone, up for one minute and infused a diamond with that. If you then took the energy back out of the stone, you would be able to use just that to perform the same task. However if someone stronger than you took that energy, they would be able to stretch it further due to their developed physical tolerance. To avoid a terribly long explanation, suffice to say that it is terribly inefficient. Often it is sufficient for many rituals, but beyond that you would need a more continuous and steady source of magic.

"As I said, we have advanced quite significantly from this process. For large schemes such as warding, we can cause a focus gem to absorb energies around it, such as ambient magic, heat, kinetics from wind or water, and so on. So if the system consists of one focus stone, then every bit of energy absorbed by it is utilized properly. This does not as yet work with more than one piece. At present if we wish to transfer energy from one centralized gem to another, we have to fuse them together with a connective line."

Draco rubbed his chin, thinking. "So you are saying that it is similar to moving water from one reservoir to another? You cannot just pick it up and move it, you have to join it somehow?"

Caitlyn dipped her head in agreement. "Very similar except that any connection must remain perfectly static; and if a connection, or any part of the energy storage system is broken, the entire system shatters and the energy is lost."

He grimaced. "It sounds revolutionary, except for well, excuse my potential ignorance, but, everything. We would need a system to be flexible and mobile as well as able to tolerate damage. Especially for a project like this. But I know that is exactly your point in bringing it up in the first place."

Draco leaned back and folded his hands, eying the shifting model before him. "As much as I hate to admit it, perhaps we could use Granger's help. She may know of some muggle methods that could accomplish what we need. She's always bragging about them after all."

Daela grinned and rubbed her hands together. "Oh, good, so you can meet with her to learn what you can so you can bring it back to this group. Right Draco?"

He glowered at her.

And if he could meet with Hermione on a regular basis without starting a war, then perhaps her method of forcing him in to their group was working after all.

**TDC**

After the meeting concluded, Daela left the room to find Neville seated with Sirius in a side chamber overlooking the castle. One benefit to having control of the wards was that she could use them to monitor who was within, and where. A skill that had become increasingly useful as the growing numbers of Druids flocked to the Spire for sanctuary; to the ever growing irritation of the headmaster. Albus would be able to do the same with those of the castle proper, but based upon the stories she had heard from Hepatica and Hermione of the last several years, it sounded as if he was either incapable, or simply chose not to use them. The longer she was within the grounds, the more the untapped potential of the castle irritated her. It was one of those things she really struggled with letting go of. So much for mental discipline. She stood just inside the door, not wanting to stop Neville's lesson. The young Longbottom had grown so much in confidence since she had begun tutoring him and he would one day be a powerful caster and maybe even a Druid priest. He was soaking up knowledge and lore like no one she had seen in a long time.

"Exactly. Some people have an affinity toward one element or another based on their personality and how they operate as a person. Anyone can learn all branches, but some people find it easier to learn this or that over any others. For me, I am better at learning earth and lightning magic than any of the other five. Mostly because I tend to be quiet and try to think before I do anything." Neville was saying.

"I assume there is a reason there, and I get why earth would work well with you, but that doesn't explain why I have an affinity for electrocuting people."

Neville snorted. "If I had to guess, I would say it is because you enjoy watching their reactions." Sirius laughed, an expression Daela was glad to see could be produced by more than Hepatica. The man was growing more and more in to his life outside prison now and wasn't as solely focused on living for his goddaughter. "But really, I think it does fit you, especially with your ability to turn in to a dog. You may take a while to build up, but once you do, you are ready to fight for what you have to. But it's beyond that even. Lightning is about opposites, especially opposites colliding to create something greater. If you think on it I believe you'll figure it out. That's what meditating is for."

"Aaaugh!" Sirius wined. "But I'm no good at meditating, you know that."

Neville smiled. "It takes practice. Don't worry, you'll learn to do it well eventually, even if it is not something you enjoy."

Growing serious, Sirius nodded solemnly. "So that makes sense, but what about how some people are casters and others aren't?"

"Well, I can't answer for the present, but as of the sixteenth century it was a matter of choice rather than affinity. Some people preferred not to manifest their magic beyond their bodies and others did. Daela coul…"

It just so happened that he looked up and spotted her in the doorway. "Yes, Daela could help answer that, and look at how powerful I am, she's here right now."

Grinning, Sirius turned about as she stepped forward. Daela spun the air abut Neville and poked him in the forehead lightly. "I should instead think it is my supreme power that alerted me to your need. Either that, or my powers of overhearing conversations."

Neville waved her words off. No No, I truly believe it was I who has summoned you. However, at the risk of getting dunked in the lake again and being reacquainted with Toby as a lesson, I shall surrender the floor to your awesome power." The young man made a good show of literally bowing and scraping as he moved away. Yes, she might just have to return to making him throw heavy rocks all over the place, that seemed to work wonders for his obedience in the autumn.

She let him go with a roll of her eyes and turned to the still laughing Sirius. He stifled his humor impressively fast though and grinned. "I presume you may be able to educate me properly dear lady?"

"Children. The peasant over there is actually correct. It has always been more or less of a preference from one individual to another. As a rule, we have had little need for large manifestations of power, except for rituals, building, contests and training. That is mostly why we as a people were unprepared for such direct involvement in the war. That is already beginning to change, or at least being spoken of. We prefer peace, but I am seeing just how many Druids around the world are not willing to sit idly by and watch others fight to protect them."

Sirius crossed his arms in a thoughtful gesture. "So it is kind of like dueling to us. Most of us have been trained in how to cast fighting spells, but many do not practice them and can only cast the charms and spells they use on a daily basis. Those who can fight are well trained in it though and you don't want to mess with them."

"Seems about the same. However, I must interrupt the lesson Neville as I need to talk to Sirius about something."

"Of course. Do you have anything I should work on?" he asked, stepping back towards them.

"Actually, my mother is in the spirit library. Could you tell her I would like for her to instruct you in Guardianship when she has a moment? Otherwise she could use help with her research."

"Absolutely, that sounds interesting. Talk to you later Sirius."

They watched him go before Sirius spoke. "He's going to be taking the Spire isn't he?"

"He is. It isn't a secret or anything, but when our project is complete, I will be transferring myself to it. Neville has not had enough training to take on something so large just yet."

"Ah. So how was the meeting?"

"It went rather well actually, and is what I want to talk to you about. We want to move forward with this quickly. But I don't think this should just be for the Druids and Wizards. I believe we should offer this opportunity to any race. Particularly the Goblins at present, as my people have wrongs to right with them. It might be helpful if we had some Ministry representation with us for the proposal."

"How about Amelia and myself? That would cover most of the Ministry, especially the groups they haven't had the best dealings with in the past. This would bypass the Magical Creatures Department, but I don't really agree with them on most things anyway."

"Which is exactly why we need you. I am going to draft a letter to King Veldur; would you mind adding your signature to it?"

"Of course, if only to see how he reacts when we all sit down at the table together and talk like normal civilized people. He'll have a cow."

Daela rolled her eyes again.

**TDC**

Wormtail gripped the Daily Prophet in a sweaty hand as he eased himself through the black halls of his master's new fortress. He had to admit to himself that the new Dark Lord was much more efficient than he had been before. Perhaps it had something to do with his eyes no longer glowing red, or the fact that his physical form was slowly returning to human appearance day by day. Whatever it was, it was working. Oh the master still felt his displeasure and made sure that others were aware of it, however the torment was always less damaging than it had always been, as he said he had no interest in breaking his tools. This was a nice change for Wormtail since he had always been one to receive remedial torture rather frequently. Without the constant tremors from Cruciatus exposure, he was much more comfortable in his service.

Having said that, he had no clue how this new article was going to be taken by his master. The only reason that Wormtail knew his lord had not already been told was because Wormtail had been appointed as the Dark Lord's informant and was solely in charge of delivering the news. This was a job that had always terrified him in the past, but it seemed that he was no longer to be tortured for his master receiving bad news. Don't shoot the messenger, seemed to have finally gotten through the man's head. It also helped that due to the Dark Mark, he could no longer lie, so his master knew that whatever Peter told him was accurate.

This was different though. Peter didn't know much about the whole trans-gender thing as it were, and he found he didn't really care. A person was who they were. Peter was Wormtail, he was a rat. If Harry was in fact a girl named Hepatica, who was Wormtail to judge? He wasn't sure how his master was going to take this news though. The man did always obsess over Harry, but recently he had grown furious with the Druids and his need to eliminate them. For him to want to destroy something so badly, it told Wormtail that that was probably the one thing that could lay his master low. As long as they also got rid of that blasted dragon. The bloody thing kept staring at him like he was to be lunch, and it didn't help that it was getting bored.

He entered his master's chambers and knelt before the throne, holding out the rolled up paper. Long fingers took it from him and he heard the pages flicking as his master read in silence. The silence held longer than he would have thought until Lord Voldemort rose from his throne and crossed the room to stand before the high window overlooking the plains.

This new reaction was disconcerting. Peter had always been able to predict his master in the past, and now, he had nothing to go by. The Dark Lord was standing and thinking in silence and for once Peter didn't know if that was a good thing or the calm before the storm.

**TDC**

Thursday, January 4, 1996

The Half-Blood Prince rounded the corner toward the Headmaster's office and windlessly reapplied the feather-light charm to his robes to ensure they billowed properly. The damn children after all these years still had not figured out the simple solution; though it was one of the few things he had to thank his muggle primary school for. Wizards understood gravity yes, but they had less of a grasp of just how important it was. In this case, if you made something lighter than it should be, it would act as if it was. So no he did not cast a wind charm on his robes or anything so wasteful. That would be impractical.

It had been a couple of days since the disgusting article about the Potter boy had surfaced, allowing him to build up a rather impressive list of complaints to bring to the headmaster. If this didn't work he wasn't sure what he might do. He hated Potter. He hated Albus. He hated the Dark Lord. He hated all of them.

No matter where he turned he had a master he hated. What shit luck he had dug up to get him stuck in a situation like this.

If the he-she was going to remain at Hogwarts then it might just be the last straw for Severus. Contrary to what they all thought, he was as capable of escaping all his masters as he was terrifying children. It would mean sacrificing his potion making skills, but the quick removal of an arm and the mark it bore, would allow him to hide out. His plans were already made. No good spy risked his life without backup plans. They were fools. All of them.

It was just more fun to play them against one another.

That's what they got for using his Lily against him like they had.

The gargoyle opened to the hissed password and Severus mounted the stairs. Albus had once been his most powerful master. No longer was that true, but he was possibly the weakest. Potter not only had apparently gained control of him after the Dark Lord's ritual, but also had the Druid bitch in his pocket; and she was not to be trifled with. If the Dark Lord had told him to avoid direct confrontation with her, then that meant something. How was it that all of a sudden these meddling Druids had appeared and were somehow more powerful than the vast majority of the magical population.

Alright, perhaps that was generous. He had only seen a few fight at the solstice and they were strong, but half of them had seemed as if they didn't have a clue how to defend themselves. Still, it wasn't right that some, any, of them should be more powerful than so many wizards.

He opened the office door to a tired looking Albus and instantly scanned the room for any oddities. He knew that his other master had not placed any traps, as he did not want it clear that he had been visiting here. The survival instincts of the past two decades however had grown to primacy in his mind. A quick and accurate assessment of the environment could mean life or death when meeting with the masters he had gained.

Everything was in its rightful place except for the grimace on the old man's face. If his geniality was slipping then something serious was wrong. With any luck it would be the same matter that had brought the potions master here.

"Ah, Severus. I thought it would have taken much less time for you to approach me about this."

How dare he pretend to know what Severus wanted.

"I wanted to be certain that I had me observations properly categorized. I assure you that I am no less disgusted than I otherwise might be."

"Of course, of course." Severus sat across from his elder and waited.

"So, let's hear it then."

Curious.

"Black is clearly working with or using the boy to attempt to remove you." Judging by the perplexed stare, he knew Albus hadn't considered that angle. Also curious, what was wrong with this man who was normally the first to consider all angles?

"The idiot boy is not smart enough to come up with a plan like this on his own. I doubt he even knows what he is doing. Either way, Black has an obvious dislike of you and is doing nothing to hide it. Using the boy to create a social divide would be the perfect, prank, in his mind." The P word twisted his lips in to a snarl as it passed and Severus had to resist the urge to wipe his tongue.

"I doubt I could properly refute any of what you have said. However something about the boy is different now and I can't help but feel like I have lost him."

That was putting it lightly.

"Perhaps. That damn Druid girl has done something to make him more arrogant than he already was. And Granger…"

Damn Granger.

She posed a problem for Severus, she and the Druid girl. Between the two of them he was struggling to manage the rage that wanted to claw its way out of his soul. The rage, and love.

Granger's cursed brains, her damn gifted muggle-born ways were driving him insane. Every time she did something that reminded him of how Lily would have handled the situation, he wanted to dump a cauldron of acid on her and then weep for what he had done to the one person who's mind reminded him of his beloved Lily.

And, Daela. No she wasn't exactly a carbon copy of his beloved, but the red hair, intelligence, and disgustingly dangerous kindness was just as horrifying.

These children were going to kill him one day. So he hated them. So, he let the fire burn, and fueled it with those that reminded him of Lily. He hated it, he hated everything they stood for and everything they dredged from his memory.

"Yes," Albus continued, oblivious to the internal agony Severus was riding. "I did hope to keep Harry separate from Ms. Granger, but it seems they have begun dating. They have left Mr. Weasley behind and are causing many more problems without him. My plan in that regard was foiled it seems."

"It seems that many of your plans have fallen short."

The old man's visage grew dark. "Do not think to lecture me Severus. I built their relationship with Ronald for four years and it nearly worked. I ensured that Harry grew up with difficulties so he might be ready to sacrifice himself if it came to it. I prepared for Dolores to break his spirit this year, but I was thwarted by the events of the summer. All because of Ms. Ermaine. So do not think to tell me about my failings. I have given everything I have to them and this is what I get in return."

"Of course sir."

Albus narrowed his eyes. "Oh, and what successes have you had since you can no longer lie to Tom?"

He grimaced in return. "No, I cannot lie to him, but that does not mean he can read my mind. Occlumency does still help me there. I can better fake my servitude at least. He has to ask direct questions and since he has seemed to regain much of his sanity, the random distrust has died down somewhat. But no, I cannot so easily reveal his plans as I once did."

"So you see Severus, we all have our failings."

If you could call a god putting a spell on you to obey him a personal failing. He hated Albus and his arrogance to the core of his being. How he wanted them all to burn.

The fight drained out of the aged face before him and Albus sighed, putting his head in his hands.

"And yet Severus, I cannot help but feel that I must make the difficult choice for the good of us all. I cannot do this on my own it would seem."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I cannot yet say, but know that you may no longer be required as a spy. Soon you may be set free Severus."

A cold shiver gripped his spine at those words. He had no idea what Albus meant but a myriad of potentials flitted through his mind and none of them were good. Should he bolt?

"I know you have more arguments about the boy, but know that I very much agree with you. That and many other reasons are why I am considering this new path. As hard as I know it is for you, hold strong for just a bit longer. I do have one more option before I make my decision. I will be beginning my Druid training with Ms. Ermaine on Monday. We shall see what insight this brings about Tom's new powers."

No good would come of this, that much Severus was sure of.

**TDC**

Sunday, January 7, 1996

One of the benefits to having your godfather as a Hogwarts professor and the Chief Warlock was that you got to take your girlfriend to Hogsmeade on the weekends that visits weren't scheduled. So naturally, Hepatica wasn't about to miss out on an opportunity to buy Hermione a book or three, and Hermione wasn't about to miss an opportunity to help Hepatica learn how to shop as a woman. Surprisingly, Hepatica hadn't found it all that unpleasant. No she'd never been shopping before, but she hadn't expected to enjoy it in any way. Maybe it was Hermione, maybe it was the fact that it was entirely new. Either way, they'd had a blast.

Sirius, trudging through the snow behind them on their way up to the castle was complaining about how awful the trip had been, being made to shop with girls and having to watch them get all kissy face. They were ignoring him, but once and a while someone would toss a snowball over her shoulder at him. The monster was smirking and mostly talking to no one, but it was entertaining either way.

"How do you deal with rooming in the same suite as, him?" Hermione joked.

"Oh, well, it's only been a few days so it's hard to say, but mostly I chuck pillows at him until he shuts up."

They laughed. "I do wish you could room with us though." Hermione wined. Then she blinked. "Uh, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that it's too bad you can't room with the other girls in our year."

"Eh, it isn't that big of a deal. I think that if Sirius wasn't here it might be more of an issue, but I've talked to McGonagall about it and we figured this was for the best."

"The other girls are stuck between wanting to have Hepatica Potter in their dorm thanks to hero worship and being grossed out by the same idea and worried if you'd peek."

Hepatica grimaced. "Yeah well, I doubt there's much I could do to convince them otherwise. It's not even about that kind of stuff anyway. But aside from them, the parents have a say as well. If Hogwarts didn't separate girls and boys dorms this might not be an issue at all, but it is what it is at this point."

"Are you disappointed?"

"Yes and no. Yes because it is one thing that separates me from being "allowed" to be a girl, as if. But no because I get the reasoning, and I'm just glad Sirius and I have the time to spend together."

"I'm glad you have that too. It isn't right though that those other things matter, it isn't as if you chose who you are."

"No, but people don't realize that, so they give me hell for it anyway. The other Slytherins have been just plain awful since Tuesday, and Ron won't even look at me anymore."

Other Slytherins now referred to those who hadn't ventured in to the Spire since they tended to be the more bloodthirsty of the lot. By now around half the school had gone for at least an initial lesson, and a few other students had decided to do as Neville had, and learn the elements primarily.

They mounted the stairs and entered in to the warmth of the entrance hall. Hermione lowered her voice so it didn't carry.

"Did McGonagall offer to push for you rooming with us if you wanted her to?"

Hepatica shrugged. "I think she's just as confused as everyone else is. I don't think she really knows how to handle a situation like this. She did say it was up to me if I wanted to have her talk to the parents, but that was all. I don't want to make a big stink out of it."

"Alright, as long as you aren't being dumped out of the way like an inconvenient problem."

She smiled. "I'll just go live in Fluffy's old room if it comes to that."

"Such a prat. Go have fun in Occlumency why don't you."

Hermione gave her a quick peck goodbye and Hepatica waved to Sirius who was stomping his boots to remove the snow, but spreading the wet around as much as he could. Even adult men couldn't escape the childish hatred for Filch it seemed. She hurried upstairs and knocked on Flitwick's door.

"Come on in Hepatica." He called.

As usual she entered and exchanged a few pleasantries with the kindly professor before seating herself comfortably and closing her eyes. She was getting better in some ways, but it was hard to tell. How were you to know when your mind was more organized? How were you to be able to tell when it was more protected?

What her professor ended up finding out today though was that Hepatica was much better at developing a mind-scape than she was at either organizing it or protecting it. For some reason that got him rather excited and he began jabbering on about how she could use the mind-scape to protect itself rather than having to build an entirely different system.

"Use it as the foundation." He said. So for an hour they practiced coming up with ways to do just that. The little man was scarily devious.

**TDC**

Monday, January 8, 1996

Daela opened her eyes to the new day and stretched with a moan. As if there was anyone beside her to take pity on her and let her sleep a little longer. Perhaps she should talk to Hepatica and Hermione. Maybe they would be amenable to a relationship of some sort. It might take some explaining first however. The commonly accepted boundaries of relationships in the modern society were rather different than what the Druids held to. Everything was so restrictive and Daela wasn't a fan of it.

She pushed away her blanket and allowed the sunlight to bathe her skin with fiery warmth. That heat suffused her and Daela pulled upon that power to bring full wakefulness to her thoughts. Languishing in bed was nice and all but it only made it harder to get up when you had to. The stone floor was frigid beneath her bare feet so Daela practically hopped over to her wardrobe to dress. Knowing she had the meeting with the Goblins, she was tempted to wear something more elegant than her usual garb, but then the part of her that couldn't care less won the argument. Then she remembered the appointment with Albus later in the afternoon. His first lesson.

"I can't plan a decent schedule for the life of me." She grumbled while tugging her tall boots on over her trousers. "Who would put those two things on the same day anyway?"

She would, apparently. So it was going to be a lovely day after all. Maybe she could bully Neville in to working with him?

No that would just be cruel. Neville didn't deserve that.

Damn.

Someone knocked on her door. At this hour?

"Enter!" she called and took up her hair brush to begin the arduous task of managing her curls.

Her mother stepped in and closed the door. "I know you have the meeting this morning, but do you have time to talk first?"

"Of course. What is on your mind?"

Eluir perched on the edge of Daela's bed, hands folded in her lap. She looked worried about something. Was she thinking that Daela might not do well today?

"I cannot help but feel like you have been dealt an unfair hand in all that has been happening."

Daela sat beside her, pulling her mass of hair over a shoulder to rest in her lap for easy access. "How so?"

"While it is clear that events were meant to be as they have been, I still wish it were not you that must be at the fore. My daughter, you have done incredibly well, but I worry that you have been given a burden that is stacked against you. Perhaps if I had learned of this sooner I could have trained you more in the appropriate matters, but…"

She shook her head. "I doubt any amount of training could have prepared me to fight a false god. Never mind properly manage the diplomacy to counter him. This is going to get much larger in the coming months than even you would be able to manage, I think. I do not believe that Tom will be content to remain on this island. He will hunger for more eventually. No one could have been properly prepared for this."

"Still though, I wish it were not you that must handle this. If you would prefer I could manage the diplomacy again."

"Am I failing to do this part properly?"

Eluir looked shocked. "No no, not at all dear. You have done wonderfully. It is not your skill I am worried about, I simply." She trailed off.

"Then perhaps it is for the best. I prefer using magic over mincing words, but if I am going to need the skills eventually anyway, then I might as well learn now."

"I dislike giving my daughter such a challenge. Challenge is good for learning and growing, but this?"

"I am not alone. I have you and Hepatica, and Hermione and Sirius. We even have Amelia on our side and after today, potentially the Goblins. I do not enjoy all of it, but I think we will manage."

Eluir smiled. "You are working well with the options you have been given dear."

"I do have one question though. You have fought him. Do I stand a chance?"

"When you held him off, your strength was bolstered by the summer solstice and he did not expect your intervention. I command all elements as you do, and yet have not mastered them all. Tom does not know or truly understand the full extent of his powers as yet, and the problem is that he does not need to train for years as we would. If he realizes he can do something, he does it, he does not need to learn how. That is the abomination of what he has done. No one could gain that level of control of all elements within their lifetime. Unfortunately, no. Individually, none of us stands a chance against him."

"We will find a way. No one and no thing is invincible."

"Yes, we will. If the Goblins agree to aid us, will we be ready for Thursday?"

"Yes. Hermione has been a great help to learning new ways to transfer energy. I am impressed at what non-magicals have learned in such a short time. This will revolutionize how we store energy. Not only will we be ready on Thursday, but we will be prepared to move forward with the entirety of the project. You have again, done well my daughter."

"Thank you. I am just glad things are working out so well."

"If you are sure all is well, then I should let you get to work. I love you Daela, always know that."

"I do, and I love you too mother."

Eluir kissed her and swept from the room, leaving Daela to her duties. Once her hair was finished she donned a knee-length cloak and long gloves before making her way out of the Spire. The winter air was as unforgiving as it had ever been and yet Daela leapt from the bridge, using the frozen wind to carry her forward to the gates of Hogwarts. Her hair whipped out behind her and her ears and face stung, but Daela never liked covering her head, so she infused herself with just enough fire to keep her from getting frostbite, and pushed ahead. She could entirely forgo warm clothes if she wished, but using that much energy to warm herself was unnecessary, so she settled for the minimum. The spiral of wind lowered her to the snowy ground and Daela sank nearly to the tops of her boots in the powder. She trudged forward using her calves to part the frozen mass and through the gates to where she could teleport without the heaviness of the wards. She bent the light around her so no one would see her appearance before grasping her power.

A tug of energy, and Daela materialized outside the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. She pushed open the door and released her hold on the sheltering magic. All eyes in the pub turned to her and quiet fell. Pretending they weren't staring at her, Daela melted the snow from her clothes and stepped forward to wait by the fire for Amelia and Sirius.

They were still staring at her. It was usually the clothes; not many people walked around entirely in white, but that was literally her job. The Druid ambassador was supposed to wear white to symbolize neutrality and peace. But these people didn't know that. Maybe they thought her some kind of holier than thou priest or something. Ah well. She wasn't going to explain unless someone asked, they could practice their manners.

During the summer, less had been aware of who or what she was, but now that the news had broken and she was more of a public figure, it was all different.

The fire flared green and her companions stepped forth in to the silent room.

"Right then, are you ready Daela?" Sirius asked, his eyes scanning the room.

"Of course."

They left the pub and passed through the gateway in to Diagon Alley.

"You know Daela, sometimes they just want autographs." He quipped.

"Oh good, next time they're silently staring at me I'll try to remember to conjure up some parchment."

He grinned. You'll get used to it. At least the photographers haven't been all over you yet."

"They have. I was just here the other day. No escaping them."

"I would offer you a guard," Amelia said, "But I both doubt you could use one, and know it would only bring you more attention."

"Thank you but I do believe I will forgo that option."

They mounted the steps to Gringots, Daela front and center and only halted when the Goblins at the door blocked their way.

"What is your business?"

"We have a meeting with King Veldur. If you would pass the message that Daela of the Druids, Lord Black, Chief Warlock, and Amelia Bones, head of Magical Law Enforcement are here, that would be appreciated." Daela announced.

"It shall be so. Wait within the hall and you shall be summoned."

"Thank you."

The guard she had addressed entered before them and hurried off in to the depths of the bank. Inside, Daela was glad to see they had mended the dent she had placed in their floor during the solstice. It probably wouldn't hurt to apologize for that while she was here.

Or not, it may appear she was intentionally trying to appease them.

She might be the ambassador, but she did not like politics.

When they were finally summoned, six guards flanked them on their way through the passages that led from the front hall. The opulence of the bank did not diminish as they passed along several long corridors, finally arriving at large double doors. Without preamble, the guards opened them and ushered her party inside, closing the doors behind them and lining up on either side.

The hall they found themselves in was longer than it was wide, and large enough to hold maybe fourty people seated on the floor. Before them sat King Veldur on his throne, with four Goblins to either side of him; the clan chieftains most likely. Daela knew they were important for large decisions so clearly Veldur had accurately determined the import of their visit.

She, Sirius and Amelia stepped forward and provided short but respectable bows.

"Greetings. Know that you are the first humans to stand in this hall for several hundred years. We offer this as a sign of trust and good faith for the future. Too long our peoples have been at odds or separated from one another. I do hope that will change. Be welcome here. And tell me, what is the purpose of this meeting?"

Daela spoke as they had decided since even though wizards had done much to break the Goblins' trust, it was the Druids that they held more ire towards. Goblins could be tricky like that. Though they had fought actual wars with wizards, they expected such relations from them. So it was the Druids, who had been their friends and seemingly abandoned them, that they truly needed to build faith with. She understood that and though it wasn't her fault, Daela knew she had to help repair that rift, be it perceived, ancient, or mild.

"We are honored to be here King Veldur and thank you for your time. We three come to you in the hopes of working together in a mutual task that will hopefully bring all our peoples closer together. As you know, Tom Riddle is incredibly powerful and has recently overtaken Stonehenge. We predict that he will wish to eradicate any Druid homes he comes across. Therefore we have abandoned our homes within these isles with the hope of building a new, safer domain. We are not alone in this. There are some number of wizards and witches who would aide us in building a home that any might live in. It is our mutual hope that you and yours would be a part of this venture."

For all his stoicism, Veldur seemed to be intrigued. He gestured to Amelia.

"Warrior of the ministry, what is your part in this and why do you support something that is contrary to the agenda of your superiors?"

"I will be blunt with you King Veldur, if that is satisfactory." Said Amelia.

He nodded.

"We cannot win this war against Tom Riddle as we are. Whether or not the ministry chooses to acknowledge that is not my decision. However I and several others recognize this and wish to both assist the Druids in building a new home that would not have been necessary if we had done our job properly the first time. We also need to move forward. A city, a stronghold that could stand up to Tom is more important now than ever."

"Continue Ambassador. Tell us what your hope is for us in joining you."

"We intend to build a city. A city that humans and Goblins could live in. Though it is a distant concern, I wonder if Tom will involve the non-magical world in this conflict. If he does then we may need a refuge where even they could live. This is not a simple project, but it is necessary. If you so choose to have a place in this city then we would only ask that you join the construction. Each of us brings different magics and skills to the project and we hope you will do the same."

"Your plans?"

Sirius withdrew a scroll from his pocket and dispelled the shrinking charm on it. With a flourish he unfurled the widening parchment on the floor, revealing the blueprints for the city. It could not display the ability of it to move or where it was to be located, so Daela explained as much. She, Sirius and Amelia answered his questions and waited while Veldur and the clan chieftains discussed in their language.

"You are insane."

She blinked up at him. Of all the things she could have expected the Goblin kind to say, it hadn't been that.

"The power requirements simply to build the foundations, never mind the base of the city are enormous. The warding needed to cover this city will be beyond any current system. The mere gall to build a city such as this, and in the desired location is disgusting."

She wasn't sure what to say. Sirius looked to be struggling not to laugh and Amelia didn't seem to have any emotions whatsoever.

"You are insane. But you are desperate and ambitious. You have need of this. Perhaps we do as well. Therefore we will provide you with the assistance you seek, if only to keep you from killing yourselves with imperfect construction techniques."

Wait, what?

"Uh, thank you King Veldur."

He was bearing his teeth which Daela normally would have thought was a sign of aggression.

"One condition."

"If we can manage it."

"We will remain in management of finances. Humans are hardly bright enough to manage their own, never mind the wealth of others."

"I don't, I don't see why that would be of issue. We would be happy to have you continue in your current capacity."

"Good. Then consider our clans, most of them anyway, to be present in this task. I suggest sending several of your project managers to meet with those of us who are skilled with construction. Perhaps we can improve upon a few things before Thursday."

"Thank you."

"Chief Warlock."

"Yes King Veldur?"

"We expect a seat in your government. A joint mission such as this should warrant such a thing, yes?"

Sirius looked conflicted. "It is not my decision to make, however I do agree with you. It should have always been so. I will vow at least to do all I may to have it be so."

"That will do." The king locked eyes with Daela. "Together we trust one another. I do expect that the events of the past shall not be repeated. You are well intentioned, that I can see. You are young however and may not be as aware of the harsh realities of the world. Keep in mind your own promises, as shall we. You know that if this is to work then utter trust is required. Demanded. Otherwise, if this were not so urgent or paramount, we would prefer to build trust over time rather than diving in to something so rashly."

"We understand. I am, very much honored to receive your trust such as it is. I believe this will be the cure to our past and our future."

"As you say. We shall await your transport on Thursday. Until then ambassadors."

With further bows and the feeling that they had someone won a victory they didn't deserve, the three left the bank behind them.

"He handled that rather well." Sirius said as they returned down the alley. "He offered us aide and managed to insult every one of us about five times. Well played on his part."

Daela glared at the man.

Yes, they had the Goblins involved, but theirs' was a crafty race and Daela wasn't going to let her guard down. A gift was as likely to be a weapon against them if they weren't careful.

**TDC**

Section 1: Of Intuition

Knowledge without knowledge, the perplexing reality that unfortunately encapsulates the vast majority of humanity in a false perception. No more is the art of learned falsehood revealed than in the belief, and subsequent failing, that intuition is a skill that must be trained and is given to only a select few of those who can master it. The truth is that we are all born with intuition, the knowing without knowing, the seeing without viewing, the understanding without questing. We are all born with this mighty faculty, and yet time and misconception have led to a humanity that for the most part ignores the third eye, leaving it closed and inert.

This is neither a skill nor a gift. It simply is. Accept its power, and the eye will open. Deny it, or attempt to manifest it without freedom and true vision shall be denied to you. It must be released and not directed. Intuition is in itself, freedom. Attempting to leash it only limits the incredible potential it holds.

I hope to provide in this volume a path to freeing one's third eye, be you a Seer or not. I hope to show you how to see what is before you without looking. I hope to show you how to release control and thereby gain it without reserve. I hope to help you see and know. I hope to set you free.

**TDC**

Monday, January 8, 1996

Albus floated over his castle, master of the skies. As much as his opponents made him feel impotent in the realms of politics, he needed this to remind himself of where his true power lay. Albus was the Gandalf of his time, the master of magic, the true power in the land.

And today, he was about to learn how to gain more. He disliked knowing that he would eventually have to kill Daela, but for now the little Druid girl, as frustrating as she could be, was going to teach him her magic. This, he needed before taking the next step. Once he did, she would let him nowhere near her. Unfortunately she was blind to the greater good and would not recognize the need for his sacrifice. At least for now he could get what he needed.

He descended through the air currents, floating down to land atop the Spire like a spirit from on high. There she stood, wearing white like some pretender of innocence. Albus would enjoy testing her power against his one day. Though, he wasn't sure how the Elder Wand would work against magic such as hers. Was it unbeatable only if the other person was using a wand? Did it matter? Perhaps he could just overpower her regardless. Either way, he held the true weapon.

Realism.

So many took it for granted, being able to observe the world in an objective manner. Albus however, he understood the importance of objectivity. The greater good did exist and it was much more important than any petty schemes this lot were going to come up with.

"Good afternoon headmaster." She greeted.

"Thank you for instructing me." He replied, flashing his grandfatherly smile. The young ones always underestimated the mind behind that smile.

"Of course. I am pledged to teach any who enter the bounds of the Spire. Please come with me and we will find a warmer room inside."

They made their way inside, Albus marveling at the beauty of the tower.

"It is incredible that you managed to raise this entire structure from beneath the lake. I am impressed at your strength." There, see what she would have to say about that.

Instead of accepting the praise, she shrugged. "Thank you, but it was not myself. The wards used me as a means to accomplish the task. I could no more raise this Spire on my own than I could build it."

Evasive little brat she was. Albus knew how magic worked and that wasn't it. The wards were not sentient, they couldn't make anyone do anything. She was hiding something, perhaps in the hopes of surprising him when they eventually contested one another. Pity.

"Yes, the wards. Would you be able now to explain why it is that they do not alert me to your entrance to them, or why the castle obeys you as it would myself?"

She gestured to an empty room and they entered.

"My understanding is that it has to do with my connection with the Spire. The wards here are in some ways more potent than those of the castle, therefore they take some precedence. That is really all I know of the matter."

"But they accepted you even over the summer before this appeared."

She shrugged again. "Again, it must be because of my connection with them, other than that I have no idea. Perhaps the honored relic would know? The Sorting Hat, I mean."

He had to restrain himself from huffing out loud. That torn old thing? She claimed to know it well enough to call it honored. Yes it did have something to do with his predicament, but the beastly thing had refused to speak with him about it.

They took seats facing one another over a small table, the windows providing a lovely view of the Forbidden Forest.

"I am sorry to see that your people had to relocate here. How is it that Tom overcame you all? Has he truly become that powerful?"

Daela locked eyes with him, a decidedly blank expression falling in to place across her features.

She didn't say anything.

"Did I say something Ms. Ermaine?"

"Yes. Several things in fact. Are you here simply to get answers for previously unanswered questions or would you like to learn? I am absolutely in favor of students asking questions, but only if they are related to the subject matter."

"But this is. From what I am seeing, the magic the Druids hold is much more powerful than ours and I'm just trying to learn how and why."

"No, you are trying to learn the deeper workings of the magic so you can get answers to the things that have been bothering you. Those are different. I will answer your question however. The horcruxes Tom created made him extremely powerful upon reabsorption. His methods are abhorrent yet they have given him deific powers, allowing him to take what he wants, when he wants. I do not understand exactly how nor do I care, unless it helps me stop him. Now, are you ready to learn for yourself?"

If he were her grandfather he would have slapped her for that. Instead he smiled at her and nodded, rubbing his elbow as if it were sore.

"Of course. Thank you for answering my question. Now, what will we be working on today?"

The girl nodded, neutral expression still in place. "That depends on your knowledge. I have heard of your power and skill so perhaps you understand more than most about the seven, or eight elements, depending on whom you are speaking with."

"I have admittedly done my research since the summer. I at least understand the basics."

"Good, then today instead of listening to me talk, you get to practice sensing each of them. You have intentionally or not used them all in your casting over the years, particularly in any large scale duels you have participated in. Therefore this may be easier for you." She spread her hand and a semicircle of orbs shimmered in to existence before him. As she spoke she pointed at each in turn.

"Water, collected from the air and condensed through cooling to coalesce in to the form you see here. Earth, dust and minerals so small and frail that they float upon the air, unnoticed to us all as we breathe. Air, condensed in to a miniature current so tight that it would feel solid to touch. Fire, brought forth by draining heat from the environment or a vessel until the air has no choice but to alight with magic, though no physical fuel is present. Lightning, of polar opposites and violent potential if unbound; yet beyond useful when maintained with focus.

"Spirit, the essence of magic itself, the very energy we bend to our will for all spells and forms, gathers as smoke and radiates light. And mind, that which allows us to perceive the energies in a way we can understand, forced together it creates a form as spirit, but thin and frail, though magnetic to one's attention. All together, these seven elements make up the branches of magic we wield. Wands handle them seamlessly, combining them without attention to detail. But when bending magic with one's mind and body, understanding of the weavings is paramount to one's ability to perform."

He would unfortunately have to break that brilliant mind of hers when the time came.

**TDC**

Thursday, January 11, 1996

Amelia was giddy with childish excitement. As rapid as the preparation had been, it was exhilarating and almost fun. Her efforts at drumming up wands interested in both supporting as well as being a part of the Atlantis Project as they were calling it, had been a practice in seeking out those who were not loyal to the corrupted sectors of the ministry. All in all, she had 24 witches and wizards beside her, ready to dive head first in to this. Their group consisted of both Aurors and common employees. As long as they wanted to help and brought skills to the table, she was happy to take them.

Today they were laying the foundations for perhaps the largest construction of their time. They weren't just building a single structure, they were building a bloody city. In the middle of the ocean no less. And Amelia had managed to fabricate enough of a story to allow the use of all these ministry employees for the day under the honest and ambiguous guise of a secret project for the DMLE. It was childish, but she allowed a grin to break through her mask of calm.

Sirius and Tonks gave her questioning glances but she shrugged and spoke to Kingsly. "Are we ready?"

"For today yes, but I couldn't say about the end result." His smile was equally out of place as her own and Amelia was glad for it. So much of their duty involved breaking things down, whether it was criminal organizations or simple law breakers. They would relish the ability to create something grand for once.

"Alright folks, time to mount up!" Amelia called across the deployment room in the DMLE. At her words, the excitedly chatting groups all hurried to the circles of brooms arranged on the floor and brought themselves to a hover. Each ring of six was connected by a rope, a preset portkey that would take them to the proper location to meet Daela. This was stage one and it was the easiest. Portkey to the site and ward it as best they could to keep muggles away and mask the amount of power that was going to be radiating from the area. Mounting her own broom, Amelia readied herself and Tonks counted down.

"Three...Two...One.."

So far as portkey travel was concerned, the sensations of magical transport were no different than normal. What was discomforting though was the extended duration of the trip. Amelia had, over the years, become dulled to having what amounted to a gut wrenching experience, primarily due only having to tolerate it for a few seconds at a time. When her stomach began to roil from a drawn out torment such as this, Amelia knew that recovery for the masses would be a problem; never mind the fact that some other mode of transport would have to be worked out. No way would she ever expect that children or the elderly endure this. Experienced as she was, it was hard enough keeping hold of her broom.

In an instant, both the swirling light and tugging on her solar plexus vanished, leaving behind the expected nausea. Not to be outdone, the warmth of the ministry was replaced by bone deep cold and biting wind. Only the ropes kept her assembled crew from scattering in all directions and not a few of them were vomiting in to the waters of the Atlantic, several meters below. Though expected, the sight was disturbing. Yes, something would certainly have to be done about this.

Kingsly let out a shrill whistle and the groups converged upon theirs. Many of the ministry volunteers were being supported by Aurors or the few workers who were not so strongly affected. Looking around at the lot of them with the backdrop of empty ocean, it was hard to believe that soon this would be a home. Even those who bore green-tinted faces looked excited. So when she spoke, Amelia allowed her voice to carry and a small amount of satisfaction to shape her lips.

"You have three tasks today, each of them vital. First is to ward this area to hell and back. The amount of magical output coming from this project is going to be like trying to find where the sunlight is coming from, for the ministry; unless you keep them from seeing it. Second is to keep any non magicals away from the area. The wards will include muggle repellant charms, but until those are complete, we have to make sure they don't come anywhere close. So while you put up today's wards, keep your eyes open. And third, we will be helping to charge the ward stone. What that means for you is that between setting up these initial spells and charging the stone, you will rest. You will keep watch, first and foremost, but you will do that in a manner that allows you to recover as much of your magical energy as possible. Charging this stone is the single most important task we could assist with today. Put your heart and soul in to it today and remember what we are working for. Now, get to it!"

A brief cheer went up and then in a matter of seconds, Kingsly had been given the ropes and her volunteers had formed a single ring as practiced. At a signal from the Aurors they flew outward and only halted when another signal was given. Their group now surrounded the entire zone that would need to be protected until the primary ward stone was active. Tonks and Kingsly flew off to help with the warding and Amelia turned to Sirius. The Chief Warlock was glancing at his watch with a frown.

"Where do you think they are?" He asked.

"Not sure, but it may have to do with their form of travel. Daela said something about how portkeys cheat the system in regards to distance and magical output."

He chuckled. "I'm sure that Hermione was intrigued."

"Daela didn't know what hit her. Granted, neither do I when Hermione gets going, if I'm honest with myself. Susan is bright, but that girl has the brains of a Ravenclaw."

"We always wondered the same about Lily. It almost seems that the brightest of them get put in Gryffindor, regardless. Lily was brilliant with potions and arithmancy, but Hermione just seems to get it all. She'll be kicking my arse in class before she graduates I guarantee you."

Amelia shifted on her broom, eying the slowly rotating ring of fliers as they cast what spells they knew to ward off magic detection and non magicals. "Very similar to something Daela said to me. Apparently Neville Longbottom is proving to be a quick study, and Mr. Malfoy is not far behind, considering his ultimate limitation in the craft."

"I've considered dropping my wand in exchange for the elements, but for now I think it would be too much of a change for me. I'm happy with what I'm learning. I like trying to shock people, it is fun. Oh, want a handshake Amelia?"

She extended her hand as if to accept the gesture, but at the last second she poked him in the nose instead.

"Ow!"

"And if you managed to shock me with your pitiful lightning skills, don't you think I would hurt you more?"

Rubbing his nose, Sirius grumbled. "Yes Ma'am. Always taking away my fun."

She smiled at his glum look then sobered. "How is Hepatica doing?"

Sirius sighed. "Well enough. This is all new territory for us and I'm still learning how to be a parent on top of it. She's always been determined, but almost too much so. I think a lot of the time she is pretending not to be uncomfortable when she's actually really confused."

"You're doing just fine Sirius." Amelia squeezed his hand. "Considering everything going on in your lives especially. But as far as Hepatica goes, that sounds like normal teenage behavior."

"I'd have to agree with that. I just wish she would confide in me more. But I know she's needing women right now, so I'm trying not to think about it too much."

A short distance away, the air stirred and in utter silence, a large group of figures materialized. They were already formed in concentric rings and from a. Quick observation, Amelia counted them close to one hundred. If Amelia hadn't known the rest of the plan, she would have doubted their ability to complete the task set before them. In the center of the rings, hovered Daela, who was letting go of Hepatica and Hermione; both of whom sat astride brooms. What were they doing here?

The two teens began flying up in her and Sirius' direction, Hepatica guiding Hermione's broom as well as her own. Yes, the young Potter did seem to love flying. The grin she wore wasn't dimmed by the slightest, even though Hermione was clutching her broom like it might choose to abandon her at any moment. Together they rose and halted close enough to communicate over the wind without shouting.

**TDC**

"So, skipping class are we?" Sirius asked, trying to look disappointed in them.

"Nope, I'm actually very unwell due to the onset of monthly lady problems and Hermione was kind enough to be my support through this difficult and emotional time. So, nope, not skipping class at all." It might have worked a little better if she hadn't been grinning the whole time.

Sirius seemed confused though and looked around them as if about to tell a secret. He leaned in and asked, "You get those now? Really?"

Allowing the joke to die before it became a toddler, she shrugged. "Eh, not yet really, but eventually. It's not a given but apparently it can happen. Obviously not exactly the same, but hormones do a lot on their own regardless of the body they're in apparently. Crazy stuff really. If you want I could explain more about the…"

Her godfather straightened and waved her off. "Ehm, no thanks, I'm good. Wouldn't want to invade the privacy laws of women or anything like that."

She laughed. "But really though, we couldn't miss this."

"And even if Hepatica hadn't decided to lie her way out of class making me support her, I would have done anything to be here. I mean, its historic. We're metaphorically digging the first hole of what could be the greatest city since the first Atlantis."

"Could be? Don't let Daela hear you say that. She was practically dancing before we left." Hermione's pout was adorable and she looked so pretty and eager even though Hepatica knew she was terrified of flying.

"Anyway Sirius, aren't you skipping class as well? And twice this week I might add." Hermione prodded.

"Oy, this is official Chief Warlock business this is. I'm protecting the future of Great Britain by making sure this diplomatic mission to save the world doesn't go awry. And oh look they're starting. You should pay attention to that."

Hepatica smiled and turned, though not as quickly as Hermione managed. Scared of flying indeed.

The Druids had formed a large ring the size of what would ultimately be the central tower. From what Hepatica could tell it would be larger than even several of the Hogwarts towers combined. They really weren't messing about. A small shiver of excitement passed through her, though it could've been the cold. Even the warming charms and heavy clothes weren't enough to blot it all out.

She saw a small spurt of magic hit the water beneath the ring they had formed, and instantly it froze in to a solid ring of ice about three meters thick, enough for a couple of people to walk and pass one another without risk of taking a swim. As the Druids lowered themselves to the ring that now looked to be floating perfectly stable upon the water, the ministry volunteers Amelia had spoken of converged upon the area, curious and looking tired. After the level of warding they had just done, she couldn't blame them. Daela detached herself from the group and soared up towards them, leaving the others to slowly walk toward the center, freezing the top layer of water as they went, creating a disc 200 meters across.

"Are you ready Sirius? This could be the most important task of your life." Daela called as she slowed to a stop.

"I do ever endeavor to provide the best ferrying services I may. I hope the post of Chief Warlock can stand up to my amazing travel guide tendencies."

Hermione quietly pulled out her wand and whispered, "Finite." Sirius yelped and urged his broom forward and grabbed hold of Daela. The two vanished immediately.

Hepatica turned to Hermione, unable to hold back the laughter at Sirius' rather girlish squeak. "What did you do to him exactly?"

Her girlfriend looked sheepish. "Well, I might have canceled his warming charms, all at once."

"Wow, you are evil. Remind me not to get on your bad side."

"He deserved it." Amelia deadpanned, sending the two younger girls in to a fit of giggles.

While they waited for the others to return, the gleaming disc of ice was completed. And the druids took up the next task of inscribing runic circles upon it. Each of the five rings was smaller than the last, the largest being upon the very edge of the disc, the smallest only about two meters across in the center.

"Alright, so I get why there are rings in the first place, but why so many?" Hepatica asked Hermione. She knew that transmutation was a big part of this, but the theory of it had never been fully explained to her.

"If we start from the outermost, you can tell it is the most narrow, really close to the one just inside. That one is purely Druid magic. They designed it to compel all living organisms to leave the area within. Obviously the last thing we want is to have a fish or even the plankton stuck in the middle of this."

"Okay, that makes sense."

"Right. The next is overall the next largest since it covers just about the entire disc. That one is used to freeze all water in a column from this disc down to the ocean floor. Rather brilliant if you think about it. I mean, it's obviously incredibly deep down and yet they're going to make a single cylinder of ice all that way."

"That I get too, which is why there are so many people here."

"And Daela and Sirius are bringing the Goblins who will have more. I don't know exactly how much energy this will take, but I imagine no one is going to be leaving here very wakeful."

"Yeah, I'm tired just thinking about it."

"Oh hush you. Anyway, the next one in is a little different. The first two transmuted everything within the scope of their circles. This one only affects what is between it and the next circle in, so a meter and a half if I remember correctly."

"Which you always do."

That earned Hepatica a kiss and a poke in the ribs.

"Anyway, this one turns everything in the cylinder in to stone, leaving the ice outside of it and the majority of the column that is inside its limit as ice as well. That will be the wall of the pillar eventually. And the last one I know about is the entire center. That ring will be used to vaporize all of that ice in to steam so it rises and leaves the whole thing open."

"Yeah but what about that tiny one in the middle? And how exactly do you turn that much ice in to so much stone? I know transfiguration could do it but it wouldn't last."

"That's one of the things the Goblins are known for, transmutation. With all the mining they do, they have to do it a lot. I'm so glad I got to go to some of the planning meetings, they're really bright you know."

"Yes, and?"

"Pushy aren't we? Anyway, they said that that ring will amplify the, presence, of the sediment and minerals within that layer of ice and, erm, entice it to overpower the rest. Something about using it to become dominant within the circle so that it wants to turn the ice in to rock and the ice wants it as well. The rest is will power just like any other transformation."

"That's crazy."

Amelia chimed in. "And I'm glad for it. We've treated the Goblins like bankers and potential enemies for too long. In a matter of days they've already shown us loads of new magic without even trying to. Same with the Druids. Honestly I'm not sure our world is going to survive it without going through a revolution of some kind. But I'm glad for it all the same. Hermione is right, we are witnessing history today."

"But Dumbledore doesn't teach history on Thursdays." Hepatica complained.

Her girlfriend apparently didn't see fit to respond other than a roll of the eyes.

Some time later, several groups of figures appeared on the ice. Sirius stood amongst about thirty Goblins and Daela shimmered back in to existence amongst several dozen more Druids, all ringed around sparkling stones that even from this distance Hepatica could tell radiated power. Each of these was at least as large as a hefty boulder, or more precisely, a Hagrid. Maybe she should start using her friend as a unit of measure. She should check with him first though, no need to come off as rude.

"The ward stones."

"From where?"

Hermione was practically drooling. "From the homes they abandoned. Hepatica those are ages old."

"But why bring them here?"

"To charge the circles and new ward stone silly."

"Oh yeah."

"Have you been practicing your Occlumency?"

"What? Why? Of course I have."

"Hmmm, your memory seems off today."

"Nope, that's just me as usual. Professor Flitwick said I'm better at organizing the mind-scape than I am at organizing memories."

"Ugh."

"I know, this is all amazing isn't it? I hope you're watching. We are witnessing history here after all."

"Why are we dating again?"

"Because no one else could simultaneously irritate you to no end and make you smile."

"Simultaneously? I believe that is the largest word I've ever heard you say. Good job."

"Books and cleverness. That's what you bring to the table. I just get to eat the left over scraps and sometimes there's a good word here and there."

"I hate you."

"Love you too darling."

"Ugh."

"How did I get stuck with the babysitting duty?" Amelia grumbled.

"Because you're…" Hepatica began before Hermione pointed.

"Oooh look, the Goblins are filling in some of the circles."

"Yes, we can see that." Said Hepatica.

"I know, but still. This is their strength, alchemy, transmutation. They're much better at it on a large scale than we are."

"Yeah we just spend our time turning tea kettles in to rabbits and turtles."

This time Hepatica got an elbow in the ribs.

"Madam Bones, do you see how mean she is to me? Always poking and elbowing. Its abuse it is."

"Nope, sorry, I've been too busy watching the first event in who knows how long where Goblins, Druids and wizards work together. Perhaps you should file a complaint with the proper authorities."

"Um, aren't you just that?"

"Ah, good point. Ooh look, magic."

Why did Hepatica feel like she couldn't win a darn thing today?

"Okay, so honestly though, I get most of this, but what is the point of making all of this ice first? Why not just change the primary cylinder to stone? It seems like a lot of extra work."

Hermione smiled at her. "For once you ask a good question."

"Oy."

"Reason being, it is easier to turn a solid in to another solid than turning a liquid or a gas. So since we have all this water that with a simple temperature drop will become solid…"

"Ah, I get it. Does it have to do with what the Goblins use as making the sediment want to be the dominant particles in the area?"

"Right!"

Hermione leaned over and kissed her. Maybe Hepatica should study more if seeming smart got Hermione excited.

This was not the time to be thinking about that. Get your mind out of the gutter girl.

They broke off and turned back to the gathering below. Sirius was flying back toward them, grinning madly.

"It's working you lot, we're going to do this. Amelia, would you join me? They want all magic users down below to help charge the circles. You two however, Daela has a special task for you."

"Oh? And what is that dare I ask?" Hepatica drawled.

"Memories. Daela said that while she would love to have you two helping, your cores haven't' matured enough to not strain too much when doing so. Did she explain this beforehand?"

Hermione nodded. She said it might be so, depending on what alterations the Goblins made."

"Good, she does feel badly about it. But, she wants to make sure this is viewed from the outside, as the young lady would like a clear memory of this event. So you two get to be the camera folk so to speak."

"I can work with that." Said Hepatica.

"Good, because I'm going to want to see it afterwards as well. Now be good and pay attention you two."

He chuckled and flew off with Amelia, gesturing to the other fliers. Like a converging swarm of crows, the wizards and witches from the ministry rocketed down to join the others. One Druid was directing the lot of them, and a moment later, everyone scattered, lining up around the very edge of the disc.

"To finish answering your question," Hermione added, "If there is a solid on both sides of the piece we want to be stone, it is also easier to make it so. If water surrounded it, then it would be much harder to transform it without either the water getting in to cracks as it took form, or the water's presence causing difficulties."

"So there really is a science to it in a way."

"Yes, more so than I would have thought when I first learned about magic."

"Good to know there is some kind of logic at least."

A voice boomed out, magically magnified to reach everyone across such a large open area.

"This first circle, meant to protect the life within our area of work, shall use our will. We together will push against all life below this circle to leave so that none is harmed. Our goal is safety, our intent is peace, let us ensure the life of all we must oversee."

The outer ring of runes glowed green. It wasn't a bright green, so Hepatica couldn't distinguish any symbols, but the light rose around each person spaced evenly about it. Then with a flash of light, an emerald wave of energy coalesced and shot downward below the waves. There was no noticeable difference, but there was now a transparent cylinder of energy that rose high in to the air, and as far as she could tell, mirrored the same down below.

"Step forward now to the next circle. Here we shall use the energies of magic itself to cool the water below us. We will draw the heat from the waters, channeling it through ourselves and away. Breathe in the heat from below and know what we shall build."

This ring had one of the ward stones in it. Above the effect was similar, but she could see as the stone flared with light, motes of power draining downward in to the runes, bringing them to life with azure mist. The waters of the Atlantic rippled away as if a large boulder had been dropped in to them and another wave of light bolted downwards. This one however darted back and forth, up and down repeatedly, moving more slowly each time.

"That's amazing!" Hermione gasped.

"Yeah."

With a great crack, the light dissipated, leaving a circle of people who were pulling off their outer layers, or flapping their cloaks as if to frighten away the heat.

"Rest and breathe a moment while the heat fades from you, then we shall proceed."

"They did it. I can't believe this. I mean, isn't the ocean like leagues deep or something?" Hepatica breathed.

"Yeah, I don't know how deep it is right here, but it can be. This shouldn't be possible."

"Maybe that's why King Veldur called Daela crazy."

"Maybe he had more reason to than we thought. There is literally a solid pillar of ice going all the way down to the bloody ocean floor. If you asked any non-magical they would say it was insane for you to think it even feasible."

"Good thing everyone on our side is already mad, might not have worked otherwise."

"Mmmmm."

There was a loud report and the stone they had used to aide in the charging of the circle split in half.

"Must have been the heat. I wouldn't have thought the stone would receive it too, but I suppose the amount of area they were freezing would have burnt them all to crisps if they hadn't' had anything else to channel it with."

"So that's why they're deciding whether or not to take all their clothes off?"

"I wouldn't put it that way, but yes, the heat had to go somewhere."

"Ah."

Silence.

"Hey, Hermione?"

"Hmmmm?"

"I know we just talked about this the other day, but, I just wanted to say thanks. For, being so great about all this."

Hermione pressed closer, though it was hard, sitting on brooms as they were. "How so?"

"Well, you've been putting up with a lot because of dating me, and because you're dating another girl who is trans. It's been better than I think it could have been because Malfoy isn't against us now, but still I know it's a lot. So thanks for being so great about it."

Hermione gave her a quick kiss. "It's been hard, but totally worth it. You don't have to thank me for feeling the way I do about you."

"Well, I'm not exactly."

"I know, I mean, I guess I mean that I don't care about all that other stuff. It's you I care for. Whatever I am and whatever you are, that's all secondary in the sense of how we feel about each other. If other people can't get that then they can bugger off."

"Language, Hermione."

"Oh shut it you."

Hepatica grinned. Below, the voice called out across the sea once more.

"Step forward now. Now we must coax the earth within, until it rises above all else within this circle. We must encourage what we desire and make it so. Your will shall guide the flows of magic and your power shall give it strength. Call upon the stone within and make this so."

Leaving behind the circles that glowed green and blue, everyone stepped in to the next ring. Hepatica could count three of the ward stones present in this ring, and from what she could see, there were only two left. Those three crystalline spheres flared with light and shattered, the ring of runes glowing a strange brownish colour.

The ice within the cylinder defined by the two rings, churned. At first Hepatica thought she was going mad, but no, as she watched, the solid ice, moved.

The runes glowed brighter and brighter, the figures around the circle seeming to stand taller, widening their stances, as if the effort was weighing upon them. Great reports smote the air as that shifting ice darkened from a frosty bluish white to a hard grey.

It was working

There came a collective cry of effort, every figure sinking to their knees, and light blossomed.

The runes they knelt upon glowed so brightly that even from their distance, Hermione and Hepatica had to look away. With one final hammer blow to the air, the light faded, leaving behind a solid manifestation of rock

"Bloody hell." She breathed.

"They actually did it. Holy cricket, they actually did it!" Hermione cheered, clapping excitedly.

"Remind me never to doubt them again, right?"

"Absolutely."

Those few people who were able to stand immediately stepped backward to the outer rings and bent to them. With flares of light, they dismantled the rings, the runes going dark.

"Now, let's see if you did your studying. Why are they able to do that. Isn't this the same as a ritual platform?"

Hepatica frowned at her. "Of course I studied. I have to keep up with you don't I. I resent the implication."

Hermione stuck her tongue out at her.

"Okay okay. The difference is that a ritual zone is intended to perform a constant task, or a remaking of something. It has to remain in place permanently or else the effects will cease. A circle like this completes the task and dissipates. I'm still working out the differences of what kinds of things you would want to do with each one, but that's the better part of what you're interrogating me for isn't it?"

"Yes, I suppose so. I don't really get the difference either, but Daela seems to find it very easy to tell the difference."

"Maybe we should corner her and make her answer loads of "what if" questions until we can figure it out for ourselves."

"Yeah great plan dear. You try and corner that one and I'll help you interrogate her."

"That's hardly fair."

"Your idea Potter."

"Yeah well, at least someone's coming up with plans."

Practically only the Druids were left standing, and only about twenty of them. Everyone else was scattered about the stone ring, catching their breath. Those few crossed the circle of ice, the largest of them all and placed their hands upon the minuscule ring in the center. Flying closer, Hermione and Hepatica could see only half of the runes light up with a bluish cast. That was odd.

"We should get back Hepatica, they're going to need us out of the way."

"Oh alright."

They retreated again out past the furthest segment and watched as the Druids, those few who still stood, activated the giant ring of ice. Bright orange figures came to life around it and the casters aimed their hands down at the ice. Fire blossomed from their fingertips, swirling down to scatter sparks across the unyielding surface. Flickering, the last ward stones flared again and again before shattering. There was a moment of silence, then the ice seamlessly reformed back in to water.

Bubbling water.

All of a sudden, Hepatica felt hot, the sun's heat beating down upon them as if all its strength was focused in their little area of the ocean.

With a tremendous hiss, every ounce of water within the circle of stone, nearly two hundred meters across burst in to steam.

All at once.

Hepatica had expected a cloud of boiling gas to rise. What she had not expected was for it to look like an enormous bonfire as it did so. There was so much steam rising to the sky that it scattered like sparks fleeing a great central force that billowed and swayed with deadly heat. It was one of the most beautiful and terrifying sights Hepatica had ever seen, and that was saying something. She'd faced down a dragon.

"Its, beautiful." Hermione gasped.

And it was. Intricate whorls and bursts of roiling clouds of steam danced amongst one another as they fought for altitude and escape. The entire mass continued to rise until it reached what must have been the top of the entrapping circle where the steam formed a mushroom could, escaping in all directions, taken away by the wind high above. The entire process took several minutes.

And when it was complete, a gaping maw greeted them, black and immense. A deadly hole that could swallow buildings and small islands in their entirety.

In the center, thin and looking frail compared to the emptiness that surrounded it, rose a narrow pillar filled with water that disappeared in to the depths below and stretched high above. It must have captured some of the steam and melted the ice it was so hot. From what Hepatica knew, this was entirely the Goblins' plan, a surprise for them all, they had said.

As the flat surface of stone was rather narrow, a platform was being created out of ice again just to the side where everyone was gathering. Someone beckoned to Hepatica and Hermione, and they flew down to join the throng.

"What's the pillar of water for?" Hepatica asked Daela when they landed.

"No idea. We're about to find out though."

Even Daela who always seemed so unbeatable was clearly exhausted and sweating despite the cold.

"You alright?" Hermione asked.

"Bloody knackered, to be honest."

"Is everyone going to be able to get home well enough?"

"Absolutely. Some have your portkeys and the rest of us can manage with our travel. We haven't had to use any magic related to air, so that element isn't strained right now. It's less accurate for transportation, but it'll do."

"Wait, you can…"

"Ah," Daela held up a hand, a tired smile turning her lips. "Not right now. I'll explain when we get to that part of your training, if you so choose. I don't have the energy right now though."

Hermione pouted then looked up when King Veldur began speaking for all to hear.

"I believe that the level of exhaustion we are all experiencing is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. I speak for all our clans when I thank you for inviting us to join in this creation. As both a sign of good faith, and as a gift to benefit us all, we have come to a decision. Much of the magic we use is, different, than what one might normally expect. We spend much of our time beneath the surface of the earth, and so transformation and transmutation are key to our survival and success. Many of the processes we hold dear are unknown to others however and we have guarded our secrets well. We have altered the initial plans slightly and created what you see there, a pillar of what is now water. Your goal is to have the energies stored within the city be accessible throughout it. The method you have chosen is functional, yet as I have said, we plan to offer an option previously unknown outside our people."

"Oh my." Daela gasped before leaving her friends where they were, to move through the crowd toward the Goblin king.

"What you need, instead of a ward stone and a separate facility for power storage, is a unified system. With a system of interconnected pipes, using magic to manage shifting connections, you could have water in all areas of this city, bound within the pipes. Why would you want this? Because, we have found a new way to store energy. The same energy that powers wards, the same energy that powers ambient systems. Ley lines are not available here, so we offer a new option to all involved.

"We are all very tired, so I will explain in brief. Separate a fluid from connecting with either air or other liquids, and push magic in to it, and not only will it store that magic, just like a crystal would, but it will spread it evenly throughout, and transmute as the power increases. Water will turn to plasma given enough potency. Plasma being much more efficient for storing magic. The complexities of this can be discussed later. For now, know that we hope that this union of ours will provide the foundation for a much more stable future for all our peoples."

"Bloody hell."

"Hermione, language." Hepatica chided.

"Language? Language. Hepatica, do you realize…"

She smiled and hugged her girlfriend. "I do actually. I'm pretty sure I'm going to lose my girlfriend to a Goblin scholar over this, so know that while I have no idea how something like this is even possible, I know that it was worth the loss."

Hermione didn't respond so Hepatica pulled back. Ah, she wasn't responding because her mouth was open and her eyes glazed.

"You alright love?"

"Of course not, I'm trying to figure out how to even process what you just said."

"No need darling. Ooh look, magic."

**TDC**

*Chapter Updated: 7th December, 2018

Elise