Disclaimer: I do not own anything other than the story line . All rights belong to J.K. Rowling
Chapter Twenty One: Avalon
The corridor was suddenly filled with a number of loud pops, as a dozen or more wizards apparated into the enclosed space. Lupin looked around. Dumbledore was in the forefront, followed closely by Alastor "Mad-eye" Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt. He (Lupin) was next with Tonks next to him. Behind them were James Synjin-Smythe and Emmeline Vance. They were followed by Daedalus Diggle, Elphias Doge, Minerva McGonagall, Arthur Weasley, and Fred and George Weasley. All of them had their wands drawn and ready.
Just ahead of them was the door to Cornelius Fudge's office. Dumbledore strode purposefully over to it and, opening it, walked straight in. Moody and Shacklebolt followed. The rest spread out, covering all exits and points of egress. Lupin and Tonks took up guarding positions outside Fudge's office.
Cornelius fudge looked up and saw the three men enter. "I say, Dumbledore, what are you doing here at this time of the night?"
"I'm sorry that I have to do this, Cornelius," Dumbledore said.
Fudge went for his wand, but he was nowhere near fast enough to out draw two aurors and the greatest wizard of his age. Before he knew it he was locked in a petrificus totalis spell, and ropes had bound him from head to foot.
"As I said, Cornelius, I'm sorry I have to do this. He flicked his wand at Fudge's head. "Legilimens!" Images started to flood into his consciousness, Dumbledore probing memories until he was satisfied with what he had seen.
There was a searing mental heat, and then there was clarity for the first time in a long time. It was like waking up from a coma. Fudge tried to shake his head, but found he could not.
Dumbledore withdrew his mind from Fudge's thoughts, and released him with "finite incantatum!" Immediately Fudge was able to move again, free of all constraints.
"What was all that about, Dumbledore? Explain yourself please."
Dumbledore looked down at him, his eyes twinkling. "It seems, Cornelius, that you have been the victim of a rather powerful imperious curse. Our young friend, Mr. Draco Malfoy has been controlling you for these past few days. It has led to some disastrous events. There have been many deaths, including your own junior assistant, Percy Weasley, and several aurors. We decided that it was necessary to perform an intervention."
Fudge sank his head into his hands. "What have I done?" he asked, miserably.
You have accused young Harry Potter and his friends of multiple counts of murder, Cornelius. They are currently missing, thanks to you. Needless to say, Arthur and Molly Weasley are frantic, considering that they already have one son dead, and another son and daughter, as well as a son-in-law on the run. You really have made a mess of things this time."
"Well…" sputtered Fudge, "I will of course rescind the order for their arrest immediately."
"And I think it would be wise to issue a warrant for the immediate arrest of Draco Malfoy, don't you. After all, he was the cause of all of this."
"Yes, yes, of course. If you'll excuse me, Dumbledore, gentlemen, I have a lot to accomplish."
"Of course, Minister. If we can be of any more assistance, please let us know. You can, of course reach me by owl at Hogwarts. Good day Cornelius." They quietly left his office.
"I'll get down to the aurors' offices and make sure that the orders come through, Dumbledore," rumbled Shacklebolt. He strode off toward the elevators.
"Well, everyone, I think our work here is done. Good job everyone. I shall be off to the Headmaster's office to see if I can find out where Harry and the others are. If I find out anything, Arthur, I will contact you immediately."
"Thank you, Albus. I think I'll be heading home. Molly needs me. Boys, would you like to come with me? I'm sure your mother would love a visit."
"I believe we would," said Fred.
"It would be good," George started.
"To see dear old Mum," Fred finished.
"We'll try and cheer," George went on.
"Her up," said Fred.
*0*0*
Harry came too as they were still in the boat, his head throbbing. He looked around and saw Hermione next to him, still unconscious. Sitting across from him was Ginny, her eyes puffy from crying, but a smile on her face as she saw Harry. Neville and Luna were sitting a little ways down chatting with their heads together. Ron was over at the back of the boat, hunched over with his eyes closed.
He got up and moved over to sit with Ginny. He wrapped an arm around her and asked her what was wrong.
"I'm alright, Harry. It's just been a long day, and I've been thinking about Percy. You need to go and patch things up with Ron, though."
"He feeling a little down is he? Well, good, it's about time he did." Harry said, more angrily than he wanted.
"Let it go, Harry. He just found out about Percy, and he's feeling that he has lost his best friends. It hasn't been easy on him, you know, and now this, finding out about Percy days after the fact. Then Neville just about laid him out a few minutes ago."
Harry's eyes were getting wider and wider with every fact that was revealed. "Oh no, I never told him."
"We never told anyone, Harry."
"I'll be back in a minute. Love you, Ginny."
"I love you too," she said with a small smile. "Now go to him."
Harry walked slowly to the back of the boat. As he passed, Neville looked up, a question evident in his eyes. Harry shook his head, a silent look of thanks returned to Neville. Neville gave a slight incline of his head in acceptance, and went back to his conversation with Luna.
Harry sat down next to Ron. When he didn't look up, Harry started. "Ron? Mate? Look, I guess I owe you a huge apology."
"No, Harry, you don't," Ron replied, not looking up.
"I'm sorry about Percy. I know it's no excuse, but I kind of got caught up in things, and didn't even realize that I hadn't told anyone about what had happened."
"I know. Everything just hit me kind of hard. I'm sorry. You know how I can get. I just reacted to everything, without thinking things through."
"It's not me that you have to apologize to, and you know that. I'm not the one that you hurt. That lady over there is going to be hurting really bad when she wakes up. She loves you with all her heart."
"I know that Harry, but she hurt me a lot. She betrayed my trust, and I don't know if I can forgive that. It's awfully hard for me to give that trust in the first place. I'm trying, I really am."
"Ron, I know you don't want to hear this, but if you wait too long, she'll be gone. And I don't mean that she'll leave you. The magic she unleashed is eating away her identity. She's losing a little bit of herself each day, and every time she defends us, she loses more of herself. You are the only one that can free her from that."
Ron paled as he heard what Harry had to say. "I didn't know."
"I realize that now. Look, if you love her, you need to show her, unconditionally. Anything less and we will lose her."
Harry clapped him on the shoulder and gave him a slight grin. As he did so he touched Ron's mind and poured in the memories he had gotten from Hermione. Ron stiffened as he realized what he was seeing. As Harry stood up and walked over to the front of the boat he heard Ron choke back a sob. Off in the distance, he could start to make out the outline of an island. He reached down and gently shook Hermione. Her eyelids fluttered and then opened.
"Harry," she said, her face breaking out into a huge smile. She looked around. "Everyone's alright?"
"Yes Hermione, you saved us all, again I might add."
"Oh, I'm glad," she said, breathlessly. She looked over at Ron, and her smile vanished. "I hurt him bad, didn't I?"
"Yeah, you did, but he'll come around. He loves you."
"I don't think he does anymore, Harry. I saw it in his eyes. I'd do anything for him. I think I need to talk to him." She got up and slowly made her way back to him.
"Ron?" she asked in a scared voice.
"Yeah Hermione?" he replied without looking up at her.
"I… I just wanted to say I'm sorry for hurting you. I understand that you don't want me anymore. I wouldn't after what I've done, either. Just listen to what I have to say, okay? When we get to wherever this boat is going, I'm going to stay there. You won't have to put up with me anymore. You won't have to see me transform into something horrible. I'll leave you alone. I don't want you to hurt anymore."
"'Mione, don't be stupid."
"You're calling me stupid, that's rich," she said, her temper flaring. "Oh God, I'm sorry. I just can't control myself anymore. See why I have to leave? I'll just hurt you more."
"Well, you'll just have to go on hurting me then, because I can't live without you. If you go, then I'll just give up. I'll go and throw myself to the Death Eaters. Life without you isn't worth living. You don't seem to realize that everything I've done, I did for you, just to make you proud of me. Harry likes to think I did it for his sake, but it was only for you."
"What are you saying, Ron?" she asked, not wanting to hope.
"I'm saying, you dummy, that I love you. I couldn't change that even if I wanted to. You are my whole reason for being. I don't care if you hurt me. If I can't have you, then I don't want to live. Be with me, Hermione, forever… please…"
"But…"
"Look, get this through your head," he said, feeling exasperated. "I don't care if you become a toothless hag. I don't care if you turn into a callous killing machine. I want you there beside me. I want you to have my children. I want you to be mine. I don't want anyone else. I only want you. So be with me, forever. Marry me if you'd like, just so long as you're there."
The reaction was immediate. Hermione was caught up in the air over the boat. Fire raced up and down her taught form. Her mouth was open in a soundless scream.
Ron jumped up to grab her, and was thrown back down by an unseen force. "Hermione!" he yelled.
Everyone turned to see what was going on. They all leapt to their feet, going for their wands.
As she was held aloft, suspended above the boat, she began to jerk like a puppet on a string. Then, as the flames died out, a black smoke began to pour out of her, gathering up in a ball above her. A gruesome female face formed in it. The mouth opened and an ear shattering shriek came out of it. Everyone clapped their hands over their ears, shrinking in pain. Then, with a deafening BOOM the smoke exploded and then dissipated. Hermione floated softly back to the deck. When she touched down her knees gave out, and she crumpled.
Ron was there first due to his close proximity, but he barely beat Harry. He scooped her up and looked into her face. She looked exhausted, and she was drenched in sweat, but she had a huge smile for him.
"You did it, Ron," she whispered. "You saved me."
Ron felt his own knees start to give out. Luckily Harry and Neville were there to help. Harry caught Hermione, and Neville broke his fall.
Hermione pushed herself up in Harry's arms. "Yes," she said, looking over at Ron.
"Huh?" came his articulate response.
"Yes, I would like to marry you, and I will be with you forever." She turned to look up at Harry. "Could you set me down please, Harry? I'd like to kiss my new fiancé." Harry, looking startled, gently set her down.
As Hermione went into Ron's outstretched arms and kissed him hungrily, the group became aware that they had reached the island, for the boat stopped with a rough bump.
The white dog jumped out and waited for them. Once they got out he led them to a point at the top of a rise overlooking the beach. Four women in robes were approaching, one bearing an ornately filigreed crown on her head. She was a magnificent looking woman, tall and flame haired, a classic beauty. As they approached she smiled at them.
She had such a regal bearing to her, that as she drew nearer, they all, as one dropped to one knee, their heads bowed.
"Arise, sir champion, arise good companions. Welcome to the island of Avalon. I am Morgan Le Fey, queen of this realm." Her voice sounded like the song of the greatest singers they had ever heard. Harry looked up at her, and seeing her dazzling smile, he slowly stood. The rest slowly followed his lead.
"Come, friends, we have much business together. Let us adjourn to a more comfortable venue. She waved her hand, and the scene changed around them. They were standing in a shaded glen, seats and couches formed from gigantic mushrooms. "Please, sit down. I am sure you are weary from your journey. First, we eat, and then we shall discuss why you are here."
Seeing their confused looks, she smiled at them. "Do not fear, you already have such strong ties to our realm that eating our food shall do you no harm, nor bind you here in any way."
They settled in, eating their first true meal in days. When it was finished, Morgan looked at them with a look akin to love. "Now that you have satisfied your needs, let us help you to understand."
"Excuse me, Your Majesty…" Harry began.
"Please, call me Morgan, Harry. Yes, I know each of you. Your fates are so tied with the land, that I could not help but know you."
"Er, okay, Morgan. I guess we would like to know why Ron's quest brought us here."
"That is a question that is somewhat complicated. First, it was Hermione's magics that were tied to us. She couldn't help it, it's who she is. She will always be one of us. Don't worry, Hermione, you and your mate will always be welcome here. His ties, while more distant, are every bit as powerful as yours. Now back to your question. Second, your fate is tied to the land. If you were to lose, the entire land will be plunged into a darkness that even our magics cannot defeat. Third, as I said, Ronald and Ginerva are tied to this realm through their bloodline."
"What?" asked Ron and Ginny in unison.
"Yes, dear boy. You are descended from my half brother. The Pendragon blood runs in your veins. Though distant, you are descended from Arthur Pendragon, the Once and Future King. You are therefore tied to this realm as surely as anyone could be. Your quest had to take you here. There could be no other destination for you."
"I cannot help you directly. I can offer you no troops. What can be done for you is exactly what Hermione asked for. I can grant you tokens and blessings to help you in your quest. Therefore, when I call you, come and stand before me, and receive what I can give. Luna Lovegood, arise and approach."
Luna got up and dreamily approached the queen.
"You are named for our patron, beloved of her you are. Therefore, powerful though you might be during the day, more so shall you be when the sun has fled. Your power shall wax and wane with them moon, for she is your patron as well. It shall be the least powerful when the moon is new, though still much more than during the day. It shall be at its height when the moon is full. Go, sister, with power."
Luna smiled to herself, as if this were nothing more than a knut given to a small child to make her happy. She came back and sat down next to Neville.
"Neville Longbottom, come forward." Neville stood and approached nervously.
"You may not know this, my young friend, but you are from the MacCloud clan through your mother. This is a clan long associated with us. Therefore, I present to you a gift, to be used in the upcoming battle." As she spoke, a group of faerie folk came and presented him with a furled up banner. "This is the Bratach Sith. It may be unfurled three times. Twice already it has been unfurled for your clan. It always insures victory for its side. Do not unfurl this until you are sure it is indeed the last battle. Then take it to the top of the North Tower, and let it be seen by all. Be sure you follow my instructions exactly. Do you understand?"
Neville gulped once, and then nodded to her. He took the banner and fled back to Luna's side.
Morgan laughed merrily, and looked at Luna. "Take care of him, little sister. His purity of spirit is indeed refreshing." She turned to Hermione. "You have already received our gift, blood sister. Your full inheritance is upon you. However, when all is said and done, your home is here, for you and your family. Forever may you dwell here, if that be your wish. You and any you deem yours."
She turned to Ginny. "Champion's spouse, you are beloved here. You as well are descended from my dear brother. Come here and receive your gift." Ginny rose and came forward. "Strong are your bonds, both to your husband and to others. One of these I call to fullness here. I grant you the power of the songbird. Thrice shall it act to save for you. Forever shall you be bound to it, and it to you. His power shall be yours, use it well." Ginny went back to Harry.
"Harry Potter, come forward." Harry did as he was told. "Yours is the greatest burden, but perhaps not the greatest need. Wise was Dumbledore to place his faith in you and your companions. Yes, Harry, I know Dumbledore. He is the guardian of his age, but his time is drawing to a close. You he sees as his successor. Your family, for that is truly what these five are, are to be your constant companions and helpers. Rely upon them, and you shall always succeed. To you, I grant the faerie's kiss."
She stood up, and reached up behind his head, pulling him down and planting a light kiss on his lips. He felt power flow through him, almost like an electric current. She drew back from him. "This shall save you when all hope is lost, but only once. I see that is will be enough. When your time in the mortal realm is through, and you are ready to pass the torch of guardianship, you and your spouse shall be drawn back here."
"You do seem to have quite an effect on women, don't you?" murmured Ginny to him as he came back to sit with her. Her mischievous grin reassured him.
"Lastly, Ronald Weasley, come with me." She stood and led Ron out of the glen with her. They walked back down to the lake side. "There, Ron, is your token," she said, pointing to a spot about twenty feet from shore. As Ron looked, ripples appeared in the surface of the water. Slowly, a woman arose from the waters. She was holding a sword to her breast. "Behold my sister, Nimue, the Lady of the Lake. She holds the token you need. The sword was your ancestor's. It is the sword, Excalibur. Use it to claim the fiery army."
She pulled out a scabbard from her robes. "This scabbard I stole from my brother. When you wear the scabbard, no blade may penetrate your skin. Keep it with you at all times. Now, go and claim your birthright. When you are done with the fight, go to the lake at Hogwarts and cast Excalibur into it. It shall find its way back to us here."
Ron waded out into the lake. The Lady handed the sword lovingly over to him. He took it, holding it in front of him reverently. He thanked her kindly, and returned to the queen's side. She waved her hand, and they were back in the glen with the rest.
"Rest now, for in the morning, you return to your realm to continue the fight. Sleep in comfort, knowing that your enemies cannot reach you now." She turned and strode out of the glen. As she did three great mushrooms sprouted, and formed huge beds.
Harry looked around at everyone, and realizing that he was indeed tired, grabbed Ginny's hand as they crawled up onto the faerie bed. As they curled into each other's arms, he felt his eyelids drooping. Before he knew it sleep had claimed him.
Author's Note: My question for the chapter is two-fold. First, do you think that Dumbledore and crew got to Fudge in time? Secondly, which of the Triumvirate got the better gift?
The story recommedation for the day is "A Kiss Can Save the World" by robst. HP/HG, though Ginny is a major character and joins the Potter clan.