Disclaimer- I don't own Harry Potter!
Now- starting the ritual
Chapter Thirty-Six
Hermione woke up with the immediate knowledge that today was the day. She didn't slowly wake and recall that the third ritual was finally upon her, it was forefront in her mind. Today was Midsummer. This was it.
She rolled over on the silk sheets and looked at Adrian, who was also awake.
"Good morning, kitten," he smiled.
"How could it not be, since I get to wake up with you?"
Adrian's beautiful smile beamed.
Being with him had been everything she imagined. After the emotional first time in the ocean, Adrian had kept his word and they had made love for hours. There wasn't part of her that he didn't caress and attend to. The candle light and luxurious sheets felt as if she were transported into a romance novel. Adrian did not disappoint. He was attentive and passionate. Hermione had read about tantric sex and sex magic, but the texts described an emotionally driven discipline that had been difficult for her to imagine. The intensity and connection discussed were not something she could truly picture. Now though, she had an idea of what the text referred to. Somehow, being with Adrian had been intense, passionate, emotional, controlled, and romantic. All of her wizards made her feel cherished, but Adrian had a special way of making her feel adored and treasured.
"It's quarter to eleven o'clock," he told her, running his fingers over her cheek and down her neck.
"Minnie invited me over to Hogwarts for brunch at eleven thirty. She said a witch should be with other females before her wedding, that it was a traditional time to give advice to the new bride." Hermione sighed. She wanted to go and she loved Minnie. "I'm just so worried, Adrian."
"I know, kitten." He pressed his forehead against hers. "Me too, we all are."
"What will you do this morning?"
"Spend time with my mother. It's just been the two of us for so long. If all goes well today, she'll be living alone for the first time in... well, ever."
"I hadn't thought of that." Hermione felt bad. She was so focused on the changes in her life and what she wanted, she didn't think about how it would affect others.
"She's rather excited to be honest. I'm a little offended." His eyes shone with mirth.
"Do you know what the others are doing?"
"The same as me, I believe. They'll be spending time with their families. No one knows what today is going to bring and being with family is comforting."
For a moment, Hermione wished her parents were there. But there was no way they'd understand what happened to her or what she needed to do. Their panic and confusion wouldn't soothe her. It was better to tell them everything after it was over.
Hermione pulled Adrian in for a deep kiss.
"I love you, Adrian."
"I know you do. And I love you now, and I will continue to love you at the end of the day, no matter what. I expect that whatever's supposed to happen will happen."
"Have faith?" She smiled at him. She was trying to have faith in herself, trying to trust that the strength of her love for each of them meant something.
"It's all we have." He returned her smile. "I have faith in you."
Another several kisses later, Hermione managed to tear herself away and Apparate home. She went straight into her bathroom to clean up quickly, again thankful that she had cut off all that long hair. She dressed in a white dress with a bold orange, red, and green pattern. She found green heels that matched and pulled on her denim jacket. The castle was always chilly, even in the spring.
When she was dressed, Nipsy found her leaving her room. The small pink-clad elf walked with Hermione as she made her way to the Floo.
"All is as planned with the house, Missy," Nipsy updated her. "Missy Bones is finished with the rooms discussed. I is having some problems with the post."
It looked as if it pained Nipsy to admit any problems. Hermione just waited.
"There is many many many letters for the Sorceress from wizards wanting to be picked for the Ancillary. Nipsy knows Missy has picked the Masters. When the letters started coming after you was waking up, Master Harry Potter and Master Draco Malfoy was telling Nipsy to ignore them. And Missy was telling Nipsy to listen to the Masters. Just… now there are so many and they are taking up spaces all over the study. Can Nipsy be destroying them, or are they for keeping?"
"Go ahead and destroy them," Hermione confirmed. "There shouldn't be any more arriving after today."
Hermione thanked the small elf for all of her hard work and asked her to pass along her thanks to the other House-elves as well. She didn't know what mood she'd be in when she came home that evening, so she wanted to make sure they knew they were doing a good job.
Floo travel was never smooth for Hermione, but she'd adapted well enough over the years. She continued to arrive with a slight stumble, no matter how hard she focused on being graceful. She would've preferred to Apparate, but Hogwarts grounds had been opened to the public at dawn and even she wasn't allowed to Apparate directly into the castle. So when Hermione stumbled into the lounge in the Headmistress' quarters, it took her a moment to get her bearings. She was further thrown off by the shouting.
"Surprise!"
Hermione looked around to see a group of witches, rather than just the Headmistress. Luna, Selma, and Pansy were standing next to Minnie, as was Molly Weasley.
"We thought we'd help you celebrate your last hours as a single witch," Pansy explained. "Here's where I would hand you a glass of champagne, but I've been told you shouldn't drink alcohol before the ritual. So, punch will have to do."
Hermione took the proffered glass and laughed at Pansy rolling her eyes. She imagined the Slytherin witch argued against the no alcohol policy, but lost to the others.
"Thank you for this," Hermione smiled. "Not just the punch, although I'm sure it's wonderful; for being here today."
"We wouldn't miss it for anything," Selma told her, guiding her to a seat. "A witch needs other witches around at a time like this."
"I remember how nervous I was before my wedding, and that is nothing compared to this," Molly told her, sitting next to her on the couch. Minnie sat in a chair, as did Pansy. Selma moved to sit next to Luna on the other couch.
"You were nervous to bind to Arthur?" Hermione was a little surprised. They were such a well-matched, solid couple.
"Of course! All manner of worries ran through my head. Was I ready to be married? Did I really want to forsake all others? Was Arthur the right wizard? Would marriage change what we already had?"
Pansy laughed aloud. Everyone turned to look at her.
"Sorry," Pansy apologized. "I think I had all of those thoughts as well. I'm glad to know it's normal. My mother isn't the kind of witch to share her private thoughts with me, even if she'd had them."
"It's a big step; it changes your life," Minnie said. "It's perfectly normal to be nervous that you are doing the right thing. In your case, you don't really have a choice so I imagine your nerves will be worse."
"So we're here to talk, be supportive, and try to soothe your nerves," Luna explained. "As best we can at any rate."
"I'm glad some level of panic is normal." Hermione smiled and sipped her drink. "It makes this feel more like a real wedding day, not an uncommon ritual that will possibly bind me to a stranger. How did you all manage the anxiety?"
"I was pacing and in quite a state," Pansy admitted. "Draco offered to get me out of there in that moment. He said he'd take me off someplace that no one would find me and I wouldn't have to marry Harry. That stopped me in my tracks. I wanted to marry Harry, of course. The idea of going anywhere without him was not an option. Draco knew that, but he likes to be dramatic, as you well know."
"I've noticed," Hermione said wryly.
"My experience was similar, if not less dramatic," Molly chuckled, smiling at the Slytherin witch. Hermione wondered if the two had ever really spoken before. "The thought of not being married to Arthur was much more terrifying than all of my other fears."
"I really hope that I will be able to bind to all four of them," Hermione admitted. "My fear is that I won't."
"Then trust that your magic will do what you need it to do," Luna smiled.
"Now, being bound to four wizards is something none of us can give you advice on I'm afraid," Molly laughed.
"I'm sure some of the same basic issues apply," Minnie chimed in, grinning. "Communication is important to all relationships, for example; as is a good stinging hex."
They all laughed at the serious look on the Headmistress' face. The witches talked about the relationship advice they'd heard over the years, some of which had helped, but some had decidedly not. The conversation was comforting to Hermione and it continued as they sat down to eat in Minnie's private dining space. Brunch was lovely, but Hermione didn't have much of an appetite.
"It's one o'clock, Hermione," Molly finally said. Hermione heaved a sigh.
There wasn't the elaborate cleaning process as there was for the other rituals, but she did need time to get ready.
"Even though this isn't technically a wedding, we thought you might want to wear something a bit nicer than that plain white shift you wore in the other rituals." Pansy wrinkled her nose at the thought of the dresses Hermione had worn before.
Pansy reached behind a door and brought out a large box. She set it on the table.
"Luna, Selma, and I picked it out," Pansy explained.
Hermione opened the box and found a gorgeous, long white dress. The material was gauzy and soft. It really was nothing like the sturdy white shifts she wore for the other rituals.
"We thought we could help you with your hair and makeup as well," Selma chimed in.
"This is beautiful. I would love to wear this. Thank you so much." Hermione was getting misty eyed.
Minnie and Molly left the younger witches, each going to attend to their own business. Minnie had to get ready herself and go help Lucius cast the ritual circle before she arrived. Molly had arranged for some of the castle elves to watch her grandchildren, so everyone could attend the ritual. No one really thought the ritual site was a good place for children, and babysitters were scarce that afternoon.
Hermione put on the dress with help from the other witches. Selma attended to her short hair, which was not a demanding job, while Luna applied her makeup.
"So where are those wizards of yours this morning?" Pansy asked, leaning against the wall.
"Family time I believe," Hermione answered, trying to keep her eyes wide so Luna could line them.
"Huh, that's odd. Lucius was complaining earlier that he hadn't seen Draco. He and Narcissa were expecting him for breakfast." Pansy shrugged. "Lucius did get here very early, though. He probably just missed Draco, who doesn't wake up until he absolutely has to as a general rule."
"He definitely isn't a morning person," Hermione agreed, smiling.
When the others declared that she was ready, Hermione took a deep breath and studied her reflection. Her hair and makeup made her look glowing. The long gauzy white dress was gorgeous. She looked as close to a bride as she felt she should.
"You look lovely," Luna said, smiling.
"Amazing," Selma confirmed.
"Everyone who sees you will fall over themselves to get your attention, not that they aren't already," Pansy snorted. "The guys will love it though, seriously."
"Thank you." Hermione blushed slightly. She did want to look spectacular, but not for the throng of spectators. She wanted her wizards to be surer of this, of her, than they were of anything else. She knew they loved her, she believed it with all her heart. It was silly, but part of her was counting on their collective strength of will to make this turn out they way they thought it should. None of them were passive or easily dissuaded once they'd chosen their path. "Thank you for everything; for the dress, the help, for just being there for me these past weeks. It means the world to me. A witch can't go wrong with friends like you three."
"I'm so proud of you, fistik," Selma said, hugging Hermione. "We all are. You've handled these past weeks with grace and a little bit of flair. I don't think anyone else could've done what you've done."
"Definitely proud," Luna echoed. She went over and hugged the two witches.
The three embracing witches looked at Pansy expectantly.
"Oh no," she objected. "I don't group hug. It's a Slytherin thing. The no group hugging rule is explicitly posted in our common room. I'm proud of you, glad we're friends and all that, but still, no group hugging."
The other three descended on Pansy and enveloped her, laughing all the while.
"If anyone finds out, we'll make sure they understand this was not consensual," Hermione promised.
It was a quarter to two o'clock so the four witches went downstairs to the main hall where a small group was assembled. Kingsley stood with Penrose, Kobayashi, Bouchard, Sasha, and Healer Adams.
"Lucius and Minerva are out casting the circle now," Kings informed her. "You look lovely."
"Thank you."
"So very lovely," Sasha practically stammered after he closed his mouth. Hermione wanted to roll her eyes at her former lover, but it really was flattering. Hermione chuckled when she recalled her discussion with her wizards the previous day about making herself unappealing to wizards. The beautiful dress, hair, and makeup wouldn't help.
Hermione took a moment and thanked them all individually for all their help. It warmed her heart to have such supportive friends, several of whom dropped what they were doing in order to come to her aid. She wanted to make sure they knew she appreciated them.
Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione saw movement and turned to see what appeared to be the entire Weasley clan, minus Percy and the children. Molly had taken Bill, Fleur, Ron, and Ginger to drop off the little ones with the castle elves. Arthur, Charlie, George, and Ginny must have joined them.
"Wow, 'Mione, you look stunning," Charlie enthused, coming over to hug her briefly.
"There's not a wizard alive who could resist you," George added, giving her his own squeeze.
Hermione thanked them and greeted the rest of the Weasleys with a wave. Ginny looked a little disgruntled, Ron appeared agitated, and Ginger seemed as if she hadn't slept. Hermione ignored her own curiosity and focused back on herself. She only had a few more minutes until she had to go outside.
Severus swept into the hall, his black robes billowing and looking very much as he had back when he was a professor there. Hermione almost didn't notice Percy behind him.
"Your Ancillary candidates are beginning to assemble outside," Severus told her as he pulled her into a tight embrace. "Two have arrived."
Hermione nestled into Severus, finding comfort in his arms. She was a little surprised that he allowed such affection in front of so many people, but if there was ever a time for his love and support it was then. She was still so nervous.
"Draco and Marcus aren't here yet," Percy supplied. "Adrian and Theo just arrived with their respective parents. Ted and Arabella went to the front section we've reserved while Adrian and Theo are assuming their positions. Bronwyn was unforgivably late, but Neville pitched in so everything was set up for Mister Malfoy and the Headmistress to begin the circle."
"It's probably for the best that Draco and Marcus arrive just before you get started," Pansy snarked. "They go mental even thinking about all the wizards coming today. I looked out the window upstairs. When they see this crowd, they're going to go absolutely mad."
Hermione chuckled into Severus' robes, still holding onto her friend.
"It doesn't help that your ex-lovers are here, creating more irritation for your chosen," Pansy continued. "No offense to the present company that includes."
"None taken," Severus and Sasha said in unison, making Hermione laugh. She needed that, the humor to lighten up her mood. She noticed that several Weasleys looked surprised at her past relationship with the dour Potions Master. Ron's face had gone beet red. Hermione couldn't bring herself to care, even a little bit.
Hermione stepped away from Severus and squared her shoulders. It was almost time to start. Harry walked in and when the doors opened, the noise of all the people outside was almost deafening.
"I just checked with the Aurors and all is well," Harry reported. "I didn't check the ritual circle specifically, but it looked like Lucius and McGonagall were doing something over there. Are you ready?"
Hermione nodded and wiped her sweating palms on her dress, hoping it wouldn't mess the lovely garment too much.
"Will you walk with me, Harry?" Hermione asked her oldest friend. He took her hand in his.
"Of course."
"I'll save you a seat," Pansy told her husband, kissing him on the cheek. "Let's go everyone. I think we should give the Sorceress a moment to herself."
Hermione gave Pansy a grateful smile and everyone began to file out of the castle. They didn't have far to go. Percy had arranged for about thirty seats right next to the ritual circle for close friends, family, the centaurs, and the Veela. She'd insisted that the Weasleys sit there as well. Molly and Arthur were her surrogate wizarding parents. Charlie and George were like brothers. Finally, she and Harry were alone.
"You look beautiful, 'Mione."
"Thanks." Hermione took a deep breath. "Did you see them?"
"I saw Theo and Adrian earlier. They look as nervous as you do. Right before I checked in with the lead Aurors, I saw Draco arrive with Narcissa. He looked cocky as ever, but even he was pale."
"How can you tell?" Hermione chuckled, making fun of Draco's eternal paleness. Harry laughed along with her.
"I saw Flint's parents sitting with Theo's dad and Adrian's mum, so he must be around somewhere," Harry shared. "It's a bit mad out there with the noise and number of people. But I'll be right here with you until I can't be anymore."
Hermione tightened her grip on her friend's hand and nodded. She took another deep breath and they headed out the door.
Harry was right, it was madness. Hermione was entirely overwhelmed by the sheer noise and number of people, all there to watch her complete the third ritual or to try to be part of it. Cheers sounded as she left the castle and began walking with Harry. The path from the castle to the ritual site seemed to take forever. She was so glad she'd asked her friend to go with her. Hermione couldn't imagine taking this walk by herself.
Finally, she was close enough to ritual circle to see it clearly. Hermione spotted Adrian first, standing in the North position, and was shocked by how upset he looked. Something was wrong. She found Theo and then Draco; each wore similar expressions. She looked to the West spot, but didn't see Marcus. Where was Marcus? Hermione felt a wave of panic go through her. She stopped in her tracks. She wasn't going to enter that circle without Marcus.
"Marcus isn't here!" she explained to Harry. Her friend looked to where the big wizard was meant to be and, not seeing him, began scanning the area.
Hermione turned and walked over to the reserved seats and found the Flints.
"Have you seen Marcus today?" she asked Pius and Inge, who were beginning to look worried as well.
"No, we thought he was with you," Pius answered.
Hermione felt the panic raise and start to take over. Something must've happened to Marcus. Nothing would keep him from her, she was certain. If he was conscious and free to move, he would undoubtedly be with her. She couldn't lose Marcus. She needed him. He was part of her; he was one of the pieces that made her whole. She couldn't survive without him. Emotions crashed around inside her; it was chaos. Her magic surged inside her, reflecting her emotional turmoil. She had to find her wizard. She needed him and had no idea where he was. The only conceivable place he could be was there, with her, but he wasn't!
"Sorceress, please! You must stop!" Hermione heard yelling and realized that it was Avian, the male Veela. He was in full Veela form, his black wings outstretched and flying with difficulty in a strong headwind. Hermione wondered why he was flying.
Hermione looked and saw that she was about thirty feet up in the air. Wind was whipping around, making it hard for Avian to stay near her. She saw the spectators holding on to their seats and their hats, also being blown by strong winds. It looked as if the ground was shaking as well. The stands swayed, people were struggling to keep from falling to the ground. Hermione knew she must be doing that. Her emotions were out of control. She tried to focus, but it was difficult.
"I don't know if I can stop it," Hermione shouted at the Veela. "I need Marcus. He's my mate."
"Call him," Avian yelled back. "Do the Calling and bring him to you."
Hermione wondered if that would work. She focused on trying to calm down. If she didn't calm down, she couldn't solve the problem in front of her. She closed her eyes and told herself that she would find Marcus. There was no way she would lose him. She was a bloody Sorceress. She would tear the world apart to find her wizard and Merlin help anyone that tried to get in her way.
The wind died down, but there was still a breeze in the air; like a lingering threat. The ground stopped shaking as well, but Hermione could hear rumbling. She stayed up in the air, surveying the crowd. A silence had fallen over everyone as they watched her and waited, most people still trying to hold on to something solid.
"I want Marcus Flint," she said, her voice loud and echoing. Her statement was met with continued silence. "If anyone has him or knows where he is, bring him to me immediately."
"I meant the ritual Calling, Sorceress," Avian said, circling near her.
"I know that," Hermione snapped, her voice a normal volume. She allowed herself to float down to the ground, where a slightly rumpled looking Harry was waiting for her. Her friends were watching her, anxiety clearly etched on their faces. Avian landed next to her, looking a bit irritated that his feathers were so ruffled. "Someone must have done something to Marcus. He would be here if he could, so someone has to be stopping him."
"Hermione, I think you're jumping to conclusions," Ron admonished, stepping out of the reserved seating. "This is Marcus Flint we're talking about. He isn't the sort to be happy with just one witch. Given his reputation, isn't it more likely that he simply decided not to show up today?"
"No, that isn't likely at all," Hermione responded simply, snorting slightly at the absurdity of Ron's statements. She didn't doubt Marcus for a second, but she had no clue why Ron would want her to.
"It's not possible," Harry agreed, dismissing Ron's comments. "Flint would definitely be here if he could. Something's wrong."
"Look, he clearly isn't coming," Ron huffed. "He's not here, I'm here. I'll take his place."
Hermione's eyes widened in shock. Did Ron really imagine that he was going to be one of her Ancillary candidates? Not only would her magic never choose him, but neither would Hermione. Not again. She was blown away by Ron's presumption. They didn't end on good terms and weren't even friendly anymore.
"But...you're not single," Harry managed to stammer, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
"I'm not married," Ron defended. "You know we're supposed to be together, 'Mione. You can stop this foolishness and I'll forgive you for leaving."
"Forgive me?" Hermione was incredulous. She almost engaged in an argument with him, but stopped herself. He didn't have time to fight with Ron. Ron didn't matter, Marcus mattered. "You know what, never mind. I'm not going to get into our history, Ron. I have more important things to do, like find Marcus."
"You need your perfect matches," Harry said, clearly thinking aloud. "Without the right match you won't survive."
"Marcus has to be one of my matches," Hermione said with conviction. The earth rumbled beneath her feet, punctuating her statement. She saw people trying to get their footing and hold on, but she didn't care.
"He's not coming! Don't you understand what's happening?" Ron yelled, his face as red as his hair. "He can't come and I'm here!"
"What did you do?" Ginger hissed, stepping toward Ron and grabbing his arm.
Ron rolled his eyes and tried to jerk away, but Ginger held on. Hermione watched the couple for a second. She didn't have time to be a spectator at a domestic dispute.
"What did you do, Ron?" Ginger repeated, her voice hard. "You had something to do with this, didn't you?"
That got Hermione's attention. She stared at Ron, her eyes narrowing.
"What did you do with Marcus?" Ginger demanded.
"You don't know what you're talking about. Just sit down and shut up," Ron retorted angrily. Hermione had known Ron for seven years and she knew when he was hiding something.
"Answer her," Hermione directed.
"She's a barmy bint that doesn't know anything," Ron scoffed. Hermione could tell he was nervous, despite his bluster.
"I know you weren't home at all last night," Ginger retorted. "Where were you?"
Hermione felt her anger seething and bubbling. She was a few feet off the ground and her magic crackled around her like blue flames. Ron just stared at her.
"Answer her!" Hermione demanded again, her voice booming and shaking the nearby stands. Ron's face drained of all color and his expression lost its previous condescending, haughty sneer. He looked more like a trapped animal. "Or do I need to compel you?"
Hermione lifted her hands out in front of her and blue flame danced along her skin. The fire at her fingertips flared up and balls of fire popped off her to twist in the wind. Apparently, during their time apart Ron had forgotten what she was capable of. Four years ago she could easily best Ronald Weasley and now it required no more effort than snapping her fingers. Ron was shaking but still silent.
"Do you know how easy it would be for me to destroy you?" Hermione wasn't using any Sonorous charm, but her voice echoed clearly through the entirely silent crowd.
"It wasn't my idea," Ron whispered before his eyes rolled back up into his head and he fell to the ground in a dead faint.
Hermione let out an exasperated huff.
"I'm so sorry, Hermione," Ginger said, her eyes downcast. "He was behaving strangely and I should've figured out that something was going on. I knew he still clung to the idea that you'd change your mind about him. I just never thought he'd do something this...awful."
"It's not your fault. You didn't know." Hermione sighed. She looked over to the other Weasleys. They looked collectively shocked and horrified. She gave them what she hoped was a forgiving look. She couldn't blame them for what Ron had done, but she didn't have time to placate them. She needed to find Marcus. "Does anyone know what Ron did with Marcus?"
No," Charlie spoke up after they'd all looked to each other. "He had dinner with me and George last night. He left just after ten o'clock."
"He showed up at home around dawn," Ginger supplied. She looked down at his unconscious form with a mixture of disappointment, pity, and anger. Hermione was quite familiar with that range of emotions when dealing with Ron. No one was making any effort to move him from where he fell, which didn't bother Hermione in the least.
"Ron isn't that creative," George reported, looking at his brother with disdain. "If he took Flint someplace, it would be a familiar location."
"He said it wasn't his idea." Hermione furrowed her brow. "I'm worried he had a partner in this. That person is an unknown."
"Hermione," Severus said gently, coming toward her.
"I know," Hermione snapped at him. She knew her hostility was misplaced, but she also knew what he was going to say. "I need more time!"
"I know you do, but you simply don't have it." Severus' voice was still gentle, but sad as well. "Look at Lucius and Minerva."
Hermione looked at the ritual leaders. They did look strained. The ritual began when they cast the circle so they were magically supporting the area on their own. When Hermione stepped inside, she would share the burden. The circle wouldn't last forever and the ritual had to be completed once it was begun. A tear fell from her eye.
"I can't do this without him," she whispered.
"If you don't do it, you risk losing the other three," Severus reminded her.
Silent tears streamed down her face as she looked to her other three wizards, still holding their positions. She could see they all wanted to come to her, but they were doing the right thing. They had to be in the proper location for that element to encourage her magic to choose them. It may not be absolutely necessary, but it would likely be helpful and they'd agreed not to waste any advantage, no matter how small. Adrian looked heartbroken, Draco was outraged, and Theo was angrier than she'd ever seen him before. Marcus was missing and she couldn't jeopardize her chances with the other three. If she tried to stop the ritual, he magic might never bond with an Ancillary.
"Harry, I need you to help me," she told her friend. She tried to wipe away her tears. "Get as many people as you need and do whatever you need to do. I need you to find Marcus as soon as possible."
Harry nodded, looking determined.
"Any assistance that you all can give would be appreciated," Hermione told her friends.
"I have a locating spell that might help," Kobayashi volunteered. He went to join Harry along with Marcus' parents, Narcissa, Ted, and Arabella. Pansy, Luna, Selma added to the group, as did Arthur and Molly; everyone looking resolute.
"Thank you," Hermione told the group.
"You may be able to Call your mate, as the bird said," Ronan told her, gesturing to Avian. She looked at the centaur.
"But we don't know where he is, how far away he might be," Hermione lamented.
"If he is mate to your earth magic and your magic wants no other, it will find him. Earth magic is strong," Bane asserted proudly. Both centaurs held their heads a little higher. "Earth is strong and constant, not transient. It may not be as flashy as tornados and flames, but the earth is steady and dependable."
"And stubborn," Hermione smiled, thinking of Marcus.
"Very," Ronan confirmed, smirking at Bane who rolled his eyes.
Hermione nodded at the centaurs and turned toward the ritual circle. Minnie and Lucius were clearly fatigued, holding the circle together was taking its toll. Hermione looked at her wizards. All were grim faced, but they looked determined. They were disturbed by Marcus' absence as well. She took a deep breath, straightened her spine, and stepped into the circle.
As soon as Hermione was in the circle the perimeter, made up of lapis lazuli and jade, flared into blinding blue and green lights. The light shone so that Hermione couldn't see outside the circle until it dimmed several minutes later. She was officially closed inside the circle and wouldn't be able to come out until the ritual was complete.
Next- how many wizards will it be? ;-)