UPDATE! Hello Everyone…don't kill me. Im so so so so sorry i know its been at least a month since my last Update. Life sort of just got hectic and work kept me busy and left me tired…But! i managed to write the Last 3 chapters for this arc. Thats right Last 3 of Arc one which means the battle of Hogwarts and the End of the Wizarding war….but it is not the end for the story…after All its only the beginning for Skyler hehe

Shuminaaa-Its ok you can when you can ;) but it is good to hear from you haha i do enjoy what you have to say about my stories. ..Im sorry the last few chapters made you cry though! but things will get better i swear! and i don't know about goddess but the cliffhangers just happen haha i don't mean to i just tend to stop a chapter after a certain point if i think its too long other wise they'd just keep going and going haha but i thank you for giving my work love and that you feel i have a gift for writing thank you…i hope you enjoy these next 3 chapters (P.s Snape's sacrifices get me too right in the feels)

DianaArty89-Im glad you like the last chapter, emotions are running high even in these next three which i hope you enjoy as well…and yes! there is a little twist as to why Hermione feels familiar her but..that will be explained more in the next arc ;) thank you again for showing the story love :)

Rookie802-Thank you! Maybe this update will sate your need to read haha

Thank you to all who reviewed and to all you readers out there, I would also like to point out that now that Arc one of the Martyr is Finished i will try to be posting regularly for my other stories, especially the requested ones.

Also the song used in this Chapter is Besame-Camila (yep its also the name of the chapter hehe…..i must warn there are sexytimes ahead and well then if you feel uncomfortable about reading things like that the i skip {*hint..when the lyrics of the song start to show up…I will mark just in case})

Gah! but you're all tired of my senseless babble and waited long enough but as always everyone

Read,Review,Enjoy \(^.^)/


Chapter 43: Besame


The slap seemed to have reverberated through everything. Causing yet another silence full of thick tangible tension to fall upon the two. Slowly Skyler turned to face the brunette before her, brown eyes burned with fury and passion. Skye's cheek stung but she ignored it as she stared into the eyes of her love. Hermione couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe what she just heard, Skye really had joined the one she and her friends were fighting so hard against. Her heart was suddenly filled with dread of losing the older girl to this darkness. She didn't want that to happen. Tears welled up in her eyes and the witch couldn't help but tremble with emotion. Hermione knew, she knew that she loved Skyler after everything she loved her even now. Knowing that the other girl was working for the other side. And it was tearing her apart she didn't want to choose because she knew in her heart what she would do despite how much it would hurt..

Skyler never broke their gaze as she moved hesitantly toward her love. Reaching out to pull her close. Skye loved Hermione but she couldn't tell her why she was doing what she was doing. It was too dangerous maybe when THIS war was over she could explain but for right now she needed to make the witch understand in what she was doing and trust that her actions were for the better. She didn't want to lose Hermione it would break her especially after coming to realize the witch truly was her true mate..her Vala.

"Hermione..." She whispered hoarsely. But the girl mentioned only slapped the hand away."Don't...don't touch me." Seeing the hurt in those luminescent eyes Hermione felt a little guilty but she was far too angry with the girl to let her self surrender to the touch she yearned for and missed. Skyler was determined though to show her amor exactly what she was fighting for regardless of the side she was on. With a growl the older girl firmly pulled the shorter one flush against her. One arm wrapped possessively around the slim waist the other with her hand gripping brown locks. Hermione gasped in surprise, on instinct though, brought her hands to rest on the taller girls chest. Both lost in each other's gaze before Skyler crashed their lips together forcefully, it was rough and a little sloppy but it spoke of the raw emotion behind it. Hermione fought back at first knowing that even though she loved this girl technically they were enemies. But the Gryffindor witch knew that despite everything this was what she desired she needed Skyler, wanting to show her that she felt the same. And so finally Hermione gave in to her emotions ceasing useless resistance and kissed back zealously.

The kiss itself became more passionate as Hermione relished in the sensation of Skye's lips moving against hers. Loving the electric feeling it sparked like it it was the first kiss every time. She whimpered when Skyler's tongue asked for entrance, giving it with a moan once their tongues touched dancing and fighting for dominance. Her hands slid up one hand held on to Skyler's neck, the other her cheek. When the need for air became too great the kiss slowed and though reluctant Skye pulled back just enough to look into brown eyes that were closed at the moment. Their faces mere inches apart as their breathes mingled.

"Why?...why do this.." Hermione asked still breathless from their kiss, her brown eyes fluttered open to meet luminous eyes that held an array of emotions.

"I-I can't tell you..." Came the whispered reply.

"Can't? Or won't." The brunette said firmly pulling back from the embrace despite wanting to melt in the warmth of those arms. Skyler whimpered from the loss of contact. She reached out for the other again only for Hermione to take a step back,"Hermione please...this is more then what you think this it is….I need you to trust-"

"How I can?!." Hermione yelled causing the Vajiri to flinch,"You ordered death eaters after me. Harry. And you were yourself….I can understand the need for revenge….I can but is it really worth this!?" The witch continued as angry tears flowed from her eyes,"Is it worth becoming what we're fighting against?! To turn your back on everyone who's helped you! For months Skyler I've worried for you thinking the worst when all this time you were helping them! Helping him! Try to kill the boy you called your brother! Helping him get rid of those like me! A MudBlood!" Hermione ripped the bandage from her arm finding the carved letters in her flesh. The wound still some what red but not an angry red as she would have thought. The word MudBlood was carved into her arm and Hermione couldn't help but to think that Aaron had done nicely in healing it as it look like she might of gotten it weeks or months ago. Flashing her forearm Hermione glared at the girl who held her heart. Though she paused in speaking as she watched Skyler bite back a growl of anger upon seeing what marred her skin.

"You're not a MudBlood" Skyler said roughly as that was the only thing she could seem to say at the moment. Her thoughts swirled with making the one who had done this, who scarred the pristine skin of the one who she loved. She knew who had done it too, the unruly woman boasted about it. Though when Skyler showed up at the manor in a rage they thought it caused by their failure to keep Harry until Voldemorts return. But Hermione's presence called for her and Skye had left shortly after the dark Lord had come to the Manor, stating only that she needed to be away from the presence of incompetent fools.

"Aren't I?" The witch snapped as she watched the Vajra wince at her tone."It's what your new friends think. Is that what you think too?"

Skyler's jaw clenched before she spoke,"No..you know I could give a damn about that blood status bullshit"

"Then why Skyler why the hell did you join him?! That is the very reason HE started this whole thing even before Harry was born." Hermione suddenly felt very dizzy and began swaying as she stood. Despite eating, arguing like this was draining both physically and emotionally. The brunette brought a hand to her head pressing two fingers to her temple.

"You need to rest…" The black haired Vajiri said in a hushed tone, brown eyes turned their gaze again to the taller of them and found those Galaxy eyes filled with sadness even as they tried not to look at her.

Skyler lowered her head as she bowed at the waist,"I….I came to see how you were doing, I wasn't expecting a welcome….just…I just wanted to see for myself you were better then…rest..you're safe here." Without letting her reply Skye turned pausing by the flap of the tent,"Tink."

Immediately the small creature appeared,"take care of her please.." Tink nodded giving a sympathetic smile to her mistress as she left the tent. With a sigh Hermione wobbled back to the bed,"She's your mistress?"

"Oh yes. Tink is very grateful to mistress Skye. She is very kind to me." Having not really paid much attention to what the house elf said Hermione sighed deeply falling back on to the makeshift bed of furs. Mind filled with swirling with thoughts, she didn't know what to make of things. And as she thought of everything she did not notice herself fall into a much needed sleep.

~x~

"You're very creative…" Hermione said watching as Tink molded the clay in her small hands. It's been three days since the night she woke in this little encampment. Finding that she was in the company of a small party of Skyler's kind…the Vajiri. Beside Skyler she had come to learn her healer Aaron was the other in charge of the group.

She rarely saw Skyler save for in the night when the ebony haired girl would sit by the fire before leaving to walk her rounds of the perimeter. Each time though the witch could see the longing in those eyes that pierced into her very core. But Skyler never looked at her long enough as the Vajra would turn away quickly like a dog with its tail between its legs.

Her time spent beside healing was usually with Tink or with some of the other warriors relaxing in camp. Many of them hadn't looked much older then herself, so it came as a surprise when they told that they were at least fifty years her senior. She did notice the looks they gave to that of Skyler. Like they weren't sure what to make of her and Hermione knew it made the Skye uncomfortable. Still though they would whisper in a tongue she could not understand when Skyler would pass by or walk away from camp.

She sighed deeply knowing that she needed to talk to the Vajra soon. She was wasting time here when she had other things to deal with,"You should go talk to her. Maybe then she'll regain some sense." A small smile graced the witch's lips as she turned to her new friend,"If I recall correctly you were the one to suggest she should rot in her guilt."

"Only because she failed to be the warrior she should be." The other brunette said nonchalantly as she sat by the fire watching momentarily as the short pointy eared creature continued to reshape the clay in her hands.

"Is she not?"

"Not to us." The younger brunette said simply. Aaron was the same age as Ginny a year younger then herself but Hermione found that despite her age, the younger Vajra had been through much herself just as Skyler had.

"Why not?" Hermione asked genuinely curious as to why. Aaron grunted as she poked a stick into the fire they sat by stoking the flames."She hasn't earned the right to be called warrior and from what I heard not many can see her as one of us because of her latest transgression"

The darker haired brunette shifted in her seat but continued speaking,"She was a chosen guardian of the next seer. She failed in keeping that seer safe….her failure as a warrior lies there..not to mention not completing the Harrowing, Her failure as one of us in general….well it's with you."

"Me? What's that's suppose to mean!?"

"Calm down dammit and let me finish….look basically because you claimed her as your mate she was seen as someone worthy, able to provide and care for the one she is bound to as well as protect." Brown eyes widened then as Aaron's words clicked into place."And because I was captured and tortured …."

The Vajirian sighed nodding as she threw the stick in her hand at the flames."She won't and can't come near you again until you call for her. Shes waiting for your judgement."

"My judgement?"

The younger girl gave what sounded like an irritated groan and Hermione smack her playfully on the arm. Aaron chuckled rolling her eyes,"Right I forget how little you know of our ways. Ok so um the basic core of it all is that…because of what happened and you are the one that marked her she's waiting for you to either recant your claim or continue with it."

"So…she's basically waiting to see if I'm going to break up with her or not."

"Pretty much…though…"

"Though what?" Hermione asked now turning all her attention to the other girl sitting next to her.

"how long have you known my cousin exactly?" Brown eyes blinked in surprise as Aaron laughed light heartily at the reaction."What? Oh I get it…well we all of cant be as good looking as yours truly but…I suppose Skyler isn't so bad. Not like she can get any uglier. Don't feel bad I think it's her personality that counts even if that sucks too….why are you with her again?" Hermione laughed lightly shaking her head before her gaze caught sight of the subject of topic. Skyler was walking back to camp only to stop as their gazes met.

The black haired girl ceased in her steps only for a moment before promptly taking a step back and turning on her heel head down as she did. Hermione sighed as Aaron shook her head,"I've known her since the summer before my fourth year at Hogwarts.."

The darker haired brunette hummed in acknowledgement,"And how long have you two been together since meeting?"

Hermione smiled at the memory of their first kissed," The Christmas holiday during my fifth year." She said wistfully."She took me to the Thicket of elves for the first time….it was only suppose to be for an hour or two but we were there for hours…" She paused thinking of the question before answering in a hushed tone,"This past New Year's Eve was our two year anniversary…..it's silly I know considering we weren't even together that day but…"

Feeling a hand on her shoulder Hermione looked from the forest to her friend who's gaze was just as intense as Skyler's but not quite so. Those vibrant green eyes softened their gaze,"In all this time that you've known her…answer me honestly…has she ever given you reason to doubt her? I mean in anything and everything..even before you two got together."

"No." came the immediate answer and Aaron lifted a brow at this,"No." She repeated again,"Knowing Skye as I have…she never did something with out reason….the only time I've only ever seen her as her self is when she was with Jess…or it was just the two of us. Even with Harry….she's not completely herself but I…" Realization dawned on the witch and she quickly found a smirk on her new friends lips.

"As much as I'd like to sit and talk with you…I have other things to do. Besides….I figure you'd want some privacy considering last time you bitch slapped her, which by the way would have been a lot more entertaining to watch, but anyway I'll see ya later.."

The Vajirian stood from her seat lightly brushing her legs while she walked away whistling nonchalantly. She watch as the younger brunette called several of her warriors over as they headed out towards the forest and the witch was left by the fire with Tink, who as it was sitting next her patiently.

"Tink…" She said quietly and heard the small being giggle before replying,"I'll let her know. But maybe Miss Aaron is correct that you will want some privacy." With a nod Hermione stood and slowly walked to the tent she had been staying in. The moment she entered the fire started and she was glad for it as the nights were cold, even with the furs to keep her covered…but then again she figured the cold she felt was not from the nights chilly air but of the absence of the one she loved, despite her being near.

Quietly she went to sit in the bed and lay back looking to the stars. She enjoy the sky opening greatly as she had become accustomed to looking to the night sky in her travels. Each night looking to them for some sort of guidance, wishing on them for all this to be over. Praying that she would be able to return to the rest of her friends, her family, and her love….only to find the latter had betrayed them…the very one she never would have thought to...finding this had broken her and Hermione was angry with Skyler….even now she was but now her anger was fueled by the reason that Aaron had so recently brought up.

Skyler had hid something from her something important, and the signs were subtle but they were there and the witch silently berated herself for seeing them earlier, to not have questioned further….and now here she was calling her love so that she could pass judgment on her actions as her mate.

With another sigh Hermione continued to look at the twinkling lights in the night sky and the sight reminded her of a pair of eyes she loved to get so lost in…

Her thoughts were brought to the present at the sound of someone entering the tent, and Hermione sat up finding that Skyler down on both knees hands on her thighs and head down. The posture reminded the brunette of the samurai, as this samurai were awaiting the sentence of their lord. For a few minutes Hermione said nothing only staring at the older girl.

The light of the flames dance about her skin as did the shadows and the witch could only wonder how it was that despite the current state of things, the Vajiri was able to give off a look of collect calmness. But despite the appearance Skyler gave off, Hermione knew that she was just as terrified about this as she was. She had the power to break Skyler so completely that she could never, would never be able to truly heal from it. But Hermione couldn't do that….because if she did, it would be out of spite and would be parallel to Skye joining Voldemort. But even if she did find the strength to spite the black haired girl the way couldn't bring herself to do it…..because she loves Skyler and the fact that Skye was kneeling on both knees awaiting so readily for judgment meant the one she knows and loves is still there.

"Skyler" she finally said and the one mentioned stiffened at the call of her name. It was a show of acknowledgment as the Hispanic girl said nothing.

"Look at me." Skyler did as told but did not meet those brown eyes. Seeing this Hermione knew just how guilty the other was feeling.

"Look into my eyes." She said softly and luminous eyes locked with soulful brown for what seemed like an eternity. Hermione paused moistening her lips with her tongue before saying,"I want the truth Skye. I want all of it. Not this I can't tell you crap because you're trying to protect me." Hermione saw as Skye's jaw clenched at this but said nothing.

"Would you deny me the truth?" The witch asked softly.

"No." Came the immediate answer.

"Then why have you done exactly that. You hid this from me. And I want the truth Skyler tell me why….why do any of this? Why did you join him."

Skyler swallowed hard….if she continued to hide this she knew what would become of her and Hermione's relationship. This would forever hang over them and continually drive a wedge between them….and the trust they worked so hard to build between each other would shatter…the question to herself now was…was she willing to lose the best thing that's ever happened to her for the sake of the greater good? She already betrayed those she cared for once….could she honestly…sit here on her knees wanting begging for the one she loved to trust her after what's happened and continue to hide the truth of things from her? She closed her eyes for a moment and Hermione sat watching her patiently. The witch knew that whatever happened between them tonight would probably determine what was to come of them. Her attention was brought back to Skyler and found those practically glowing orbs boring into her.

"I can't tell you." Came the answer in a hoarse whisper. And Hermione's head fell as a single tear streaked her face, knowing that whatever they had would be no longer be after this night…only for her to feel that of a single finger lift her chin and her deep brown orbs met with the piercing gaze of Galaxy,"But I can show you."

~x~x~

Aaron took a deep breath of air as the scent of earth pulled her into a relaxed state. She was doing this for Hermione's sake because the witch deserved answers, and if was to be mated to that knuckle head she was to call cousin well she would help the older girl in any way she could. Hermione seemed like a genuine good person with heart as pure as gold. She sensed no ill will from her but she could sense the emotional turmoil from the witch. Aaron just couldn't sit by any longer and watch both torture themselves with the inevitable, she just merely gave it a small push in the right direction. But if she was to be honest with herself Skyler's actions were justified in the reasoning of it all….but that didn't change the fact that her cousin was still a knuckle head. She should know by now that ones mate and family comes before all even before duty…then again how could she know….

With a sigh she looked to the small patches of the night sky seen through the thick canopy of trees. She knew she shouldn't be so hard on Skyler….she had been in her position once….though things were a little different for her...still…she could see through the older girls eyes….but knowing what she does now she had to be hard on Skyler there was no other way..

~x~

Harry sat on a large rock, on a cliff over looking the sea. He sat watching the waves crash towards the shore one after the other. The smell of the water drifted through his nose relaxing him somewhat but not completely. It had been a few days since the escape from Malfoy Manor, since then Harry was at his wits end wondering what had happened since that night and if Hermione was ok. He sighed running what had happened through his head…

~Luna had just told him to trust her and to wait the only thing was how could while hearing the pain filled screams of his best friend up above. Hermione's screams were ripping at his heart just as they were Ron's, Luna, Mr Ollivander, and Dean Thomas who was also down here with them. The goblin Griphook had just been taken by Petigrew to be questioned. Still thought his best friends yells were getting to him. Not knowing how much more any of them could take as just hearing what was going on was torture enough, Harry took the glass shard of the mirror he had been carrying with him from his sock. He pleaded to the image hi held to help them. Minutes later as Hermione's screams died down Dobby appeared with a pop he was not alone as he had a companion with him the other house elf was a bit smaller then those of her kin but Harry didn't care if she was here to help then he would gladly take the help offered.

The smaller of the pointy eared creatures said nothing much but Harry to notice of her handing his blonde friend something. Something in which Luna took quickly before stuffing it in the pocket of her pants. Everything was happening so fast the next thing he knew Dobby had apparated the others away stating to meet him at the top of the stairs in ten seconds. The other house elf had disappeared entirely, and before he knew it the boy who lived was wrestling about with his parents betrayer. Some how he had gotten the upper hand and using the one conjured for him the the dark lord Petigrew proceeded to strangle the bespectacled boy. Thinking quickly Harry had told him that he had spared his life once and that the man owed him.

Petigrew loosened his hold then as his features became ones of shame and guilt. How ever because of this display the silver hand given to him turned and strangled him to death, despite Harry trying his best to help….he could not. He and Ron moved on rather quickly though as they still needed to rescue their Gryffindor Princess.

Ron rushed in wand blazing sending curse after curse after jinx. Harry just went with it and soon it was him and Ron dueling Draco and Bellatrix. The fight didn't last long as they were forced to surrender because of Narcissa who held Hermione hostage. The jinx Hermione had hit him with wore off and there was no way in hiding who he was now from the crazed woman, Green eyes narrowed at the Lady Malfoy who winked before a chandelier came crashing down in the middle of the room.

The next thing that happened he hadn't expected. Several unknown masked and hooded figures literally leapt from the shadows of the room incapacitating, Lucius and Draco, Bellatrix however tried her best to fend off these new attackers.

"Harry! They're taking her!" Ron yelled casting spells at this unknowns. However they seemed to have no affect besides aggravating these newcomers. Harry turned to find that Narcissa willingly handed his friend over to one of these new assailants.

"Hermione!" He yelled and just as quickly as they appeared they were gone. Narcissa was then hit by a stunning spell to the back of the head causing her to fall unconscious. Bellatrix yelled in angry frustration. It was in those moments Dobby appeared to help Harry, Ron, and Griphook.

When the crazed witch spoke to the small being of being nothing more then a slave Dobby replied that he was a free elf. Ron cast a spell to distract the witch, and Harry picked up the wand he hand won before disarming the woman, just before Dobby dispaparated them away…~

It seemed though that Bellatrix wouldn't take to being insulted by a creature she deemed lowlyer then her and had tossed a knife at them. Whether or not she was aiming at someone the blade struck to its intent. When apparating to this place known as Shell Cottage Dobby was dying from the large knife piercing his gut. What hit him the hardest was that if it wasn't for him Dobby might still be alive.

With a deep sigh Harry stood from his spot grabbing a hand full of sand and rock before beginning to toss the rocks one by one into the water. He was worried, anxious and scared. Not to mention frustrated, he knew things weren't going to be easy, but it felt easy when he had Hermione by his side. She after all was the one that held him to get her when he could not, and vice versa. He could only hope that Hermione was well, but knew that she wouldn't want him stalling or wasting time brooding over things that could not be changed.

If she were here she would tell him that they need to figure out what their next move should be. Nodding to himself the black haired boy came across a thought that crossed his mind and Harry knew where he should start. With a final toss at the sea he turned to head back to the cottage, he needed to asked some people a few questions.

~x~

The tent was silent as Hermione tried to wrap her mind around everything she just witnessed. Skyler had done the blood spell that revealed the truth the witch sought and what was seen could not be unseen. Skyler had replayed everything from that fateful summer (the day they had to leave to be exact) all the way up to this very moment.

There was no doubt now in Hermione's mind as to why Skyler had been so insistent in not wanting to reveal what had happened to her during those five months of captivity. Despite being told of the horrors (and not in complete detail either) compared to seeing and hearing what the older girl had gone through….it had much more of an impact then Hermione could have imagined. There were many a time watching she felt like hurling the contents of her stomach.

The things Skye was forced to do…it was no wonder she was the way she was when first arriving….why she was haunted by nightmares. She was however right in her guess about what could be shown depending on the amount of blood spent. Skye had cut her hand and let herself bleed until what was shown was completed.

"Now you know the truth.." Is what she said roughly before slumping over to recover. When Hermione had moved to see if she was alright Skye had said she was fine halting the witch in her movement. About twenty minutes of silence fell and Hermione could only wonder what it was the Vajiri was feeling at the moment. But the questions she was asking herself were….could she forgive Skye for doing what she has despite the reasons, they didn't lessen the hurt of being betrayed like that..then again Hermione knew it had to take a lot of courage to have done that at all..she loves Skyler truly but it was hard for her to come to terms with the choices made….

Brown eyes glanced over to the Vajra who now sat staring emptily at the flames before her. As she continued to stare Hermione didn't see a death eater, she didn't see a being of old. What she saw right now was someone who was breaking because of the hand life has dealt her.

Still though knowing the truth of things now, despite everything done the pain of betrayal still hurt. Hermione honestly felt she could have dealt with the situation a lot easier if Skye had come out and said she was angry because she thought Harry the one to kill Jess (Never mind the fact that she had yet to know someone else from the Asylum was at play in that)

But things weren't as simple as that. And now that she was given the truth Hermione had a choice to make, a choice that could possibly affect more then what she had originally thought. She didn't have the luxury of time though, what with everything that was going on the witch knew she had to come to a decision and quick.

..trust your heart…came a soft whisper so soft Hermione wasn't sure if she had heard it at all. That is until it repeated in a soft breeze…trust your heart….it may cause you pain….but it never leads you wrong…keeping herself from gasping Hermione's eyes scanned the tent but found no other but Skyler with her. The voice was female she was sure of it…but the words…those words were spoken by her best friend once.

It would seemed she thought…that when it comes to Skyler her head would war with her heart. Taking a deep breathe Hermione closed her eyes and delved into her memories with the older girl…comparing what she herself experienced with the Vajiri and what she was shown…then the memory of the wedding that morning came to mind and she remembered the promised made though she hadn't fully understood why it was asked of her at the time.

~"Promise me that no matter what happens you'll trust and believe in me…no matter how dark things seem…that you know I fight for you….Jess a-and….Harry.."

"I promise"~

She had given an answer with out hesitation (though at the time she was curious as to why she was asked to make such a promise) then why shouldn't she give the same belief in the one she loved now? Because the hurt of betrayal was still there but…Hermione soon realized she could not fault the Vajra…it took strength and courage to do what was needed even if what was needed meant hurting those dearest….because she knew that given the choice to protect the ones she loved as Skyler had been given..and with any choice really…she would do whatever it took to protect her family and friends…and her love.

But there still were a few things she needed to know..before she gave her answer, things only Skyler herself could answer in her own words.

"Skyler…" She finally said after what seemed like a forever of silence. The one called looked from the flames and into brown eyes that pierced into her very core.

"Tell me…in your own words…"

Skyler gave a sad smile as her gaze when back to the fire,"When this all started…" She began with a sigh,"When I was stuck in that place….I had a lot of things going through my mind….like how I regretted not taking you to bed because I thought I was going to die there.." She paused as both chuckled at that…after all when they first met Skyler's attraction though one purely of pleasure at the time, was not hidden."But my main concern was to get Jess out…I had to….there was so much I had wanted to do before everything ended for me but the least I could do was find a way to get my little one out of there….then…then that day came when…when that bitch had her beat in front of me…and before I knew it I was covered in blood and trying to find my way out of there….of course that's when things got a little more complicated as I ran into my cousin….someone I hadn't known existed at the time….or who she was…she said she wanted to help me but I all I could think about was getting Jess help I didn't know where I would end up just that I needed to get a way some place where I could be myself…I thought of Harry when I jumped into the pulse gate." Her smile returned if only slightly,"I knew if anybody would help me he would…" The corners of her lips fell into a frown then but Skyler continued in her words,"But what awaited me I hadn't expected at all….I thought that somehow I was still stuck in this crazy nightmare no matter how calm things were in the moment. When I woke up to find both Jess and I in beds I thought it was over for us that Harry had brought us to the hospital and everything was going to be alright….but as you saw ministry officials killed that hope right away and that's when I first met Dumbledore. Things just started getting weirder and weirder from there and I didn't know how to take things. One moment I was having one of the best summers of my life…then within a matter of hours I was saying byes to you and Harry and then the next thing I know I was trying to escape my own home from these people I had no clue why they were after me. From there to be tortured and experimented on forced to do things I would never imagine doing the next I was in a magical school filled with witches and wizards in the middle of a school tournament…" The Vajiri chuckled lightly as it turned humorless near the end,"My body was changing and I had no idea what to expect because no one wanted to tell me anything, I don't know what feel only or what to make of things but I had often wondered if you and the others were doing alright and weren't so mad at me when I finally decided to write…only to come and find…you had been keeping secrets from me too."

"Skye.."

"I know….the point I'm trying to make is that I can't give you a definite answer….nor the one you want. The truth of the matter is…is that I made a choice based on what was going on. Everything was quick and I didn't give a damn about the consequences because I knew no matter what I would deal with them when the time came…I agreed to Dumbledore's terms because it was just me and Jess. She would be taken care of if anything happened to me….and I knew Harry would understand….he would be angry but he would understand…."

Skyler paused turning to look at the witch who held her heart, she could see the warring emotions in those brown eyes. They no doubt mirrored her own.."But as things went on…one thing I hadn't counted on though, I would dream of it…..I started falling for my brothers best friend. And as the days past…I continued to do so…until finally I decided to do something about it…"

Both gave a small smile and Skyler moved only stopping when she was on her knees in front of her chosen. Swallowing hard she found the strength to hold the gaze of the witch,"I fell so hard…and even now I find myself so in love with you.." Skye moved forward her hands resting on either side of the brunette not breaking the contact of their eyes. Hermione swallowed roughly as she felt herself getting lost in those luminous pools that always made her feel like she was walking amongst the stars..

"Believe me when I say Hermione that I would like nothing more then to be by your side through everything, that I wished I had been there on your travels….but I couldn't because I gave my word to our late headmaster that I would see things through just as he planned….no matter how much it hurt me to do so…I would go through hell and back to make sure everyone could live the life I was able to for 16 years….to see that spark in your eyes…the smile you have….even if it meant…giving up the greatest thing that's ever happened to me….i would gladly pay any price to make sure you're free and happy.."

Hermione hadn't realized she was crying until seeing Skyler raise a hand pausing just her movements asking permission to touch…to wipe away the tears and she knew….she knew that giving permission meant telling Skyler with out words that yes she did not want to part from her….searching herself the witch remembered the words of her Ravenclaw friend, as they echoed in her mind.. there will be ups and there will be downs but through it all its up to both of you at how you both deal with what comes your way…Hermione searched Galaxy eyes as these words continued to play in her mind, finding that there was nothing but truth in the words the Vajiri spoke as it mirrored in her eyes….she made a promise to trust and believe in the one knelt before, and it took yet another to remind her that she had willingly chosen this…..was she willing to give up the love she found..always dreaming of having..

Skyler waited patiently, heart pounding in her chest as she did not wish to lose Hermione's love but if that was the cost of what was needed then she would pay it….however she was a bit stunned when Hermione leaned into her hand and the Vajiri let loose a shaky breath she hadn't realized she was holding. The feel of that electric tingle vibrated through out both as they relished the touch.

Hermione gave a teary smile as he placed her own hand over Skye's."You still…" The older girls voice cracked as her own emotions began selling up in her throat, though she did her best to keep back the tears burning at the back of her eyes."I promised you forever Skye….when I gave you this…" With her other hand Hermione traced the mark she had left on Skyler, the mark claiming the Vajra as her mate, her Vala.

"That's a long time especially now that you know….once this war is over…it doesn't end for me...there is so much I have to do but this war alone is already taken so much out of me….I may just be playing a part Hermione but it's so hard not to give in to the darkness I've surrounded myself with...I know you were out there on the run for your life hoping I was ok…worrying like you always do…..and I knew I wasn't worth any of it because of what I was doing."

"of course you're worth it….." Hermione sighed bringing her forehead to rest on the taller girls,"but you are right….after that night in Godrics Hollow….I..I didn't know what to think of you…you ordered those death eaters after us…at first too I was in denial thinking you were pretending but then Ron came back with all these stories….." More tears began to slip from brown eyes and Skye continued to wipe them away."I just couldn't believe it…"

"I am so sorry I put you through this hermosa…."

"But I should have known you had a reason for doing all this…I have to be honest, I thought you joined him because of Jess' death…Skye you have to know…Harry wasn't himself. He was bewitched, someone else had him under their control….the day you did the blood spell after you ran off…there was more that played out."

"What do you mean?"

With a sigh Hermione cupped the Vajra's neck,"There was more then what you saw when Jess' blood revealed who had killed her. After you ran off…..Harry called me back to the room and..we saw a third person. A female and I don't know if she was a witch working for those people but we saw her Skye….she was the one who bewitched Harry to…" Her words trailed off seeing Skyler try to take them in. The vajra had her jaw clenched, brow furrowed as she was deep in thought. Hermione knew that despite her words Skye would have to see for herself.

"Skye.." She said softly and those Galaxy eyes refocused on her,"In my bag….there's a vial.." Nodding with understanding Skyler stood and walked over to the round table where the bag rest. She did not open it but instead handed it to the witch. Hermione took the vial she spoke of, the same one that Professor McGonagall had used to store Jess' blood and given to her.

"Is that…"

"It is….you need to see one more time…only this time focus on why Harry did it not so much as to who killed her." The look Skyler gave her had her heart throbbing in pain. It's not like she herself wanted to see Jess' death replayed again for entertainment.."It's the only way you'll find peace with him again…" She said gently handing the vial over. The dark haired vajra took it staring at it momentarily before glancing at the witch. Those brown orbs urging her to see the truth of things that was being laid before her, a truth only blood could tell.

With a deep breath Skyler stepped back opening the small glass container wordlessly she spilt the blood and just like before it played an all too familiar scene that caused both observers to shift uncomfortably..however this time it looked as if it was from Harry's perspective. A red hued image of the boy who lived had just cast the spell that would mortally wound Jess, only there is where the scene paused and the image of Harry soon began to disappear as another figure began to materialize just behind him. The form was indeed female just as Hermione had said only….as the image of the unknown person became clearer Skyler felt her blood begin to boil as a deep angry growl resonated in her throat..

Hermione gasped as she sat wide eyed. Jenna…Jenna had come to Hogwarts to personally ensure the heart ache that had caused what the witch had originally thought to be the fallout for Skyler to join Voldemort. Before she could ponder any deeper of things however she heard Skyler snap and Hermione turned her attention to the older girl.

"Jenna.." Skyler hissed the name through gritted teeth as she turned from the image of the half succubus. As she turned from the image the spell ceased and fell to the ground. Hermione waved her hand and the blood gently floated back into the vial and into her hand. It was wandless Magic yes but the gesture was fairly simple and Hermione had begun to practice small gestures like that in her travels with her best friends when the boys left her to herself. It was something she had deemed necessary but had never really divulged herself in learning it. But her attention was on that of the Alpha Vajra who stood rigid body trembling with rage.

The fire began to flicker and dim as if going out as the ground began to shake and anything not held down began to float in the air. Quickly Hermione stood not sure if she would be able to calm the older girl. After all…there was still much to talk about but she did not want to assume anything.

Slowly the brunette reached for the Vajiri until gently laying a hand on the taller girls shoulder. At the touch Skyler stiffened greatly not because she was trying to keep control but because she no longer felt worthy of being touched by Hermione. The brunette squeezed her shoulder gently and began to feel the older girl relax if only slightly.

Skyler turned to face the brunette,"I…I need some time to think." And without letting her reply Skye left the tent. The ground stilled and the the objects that had be floating crashed to the floor.

~x~x~

The next morning Hermione woke to an empty tent, she had hoped that Skye would have come back some time during the night. She had stayed up rather late waiting to see but sleep had over taken her a short while after.

Walking out to join the others she found Aaron in what looked like a rather heated game of Chinese checkers with Tink. Though it looked to be the end of the game as the house elf made a move and Aaron begrudgedly huffed in defeat. Though a smirk crossed the Vajrian's lips as she shook the small creatures hand.

"You haven't seen Skye have you?" The witch asked walking towards the duo as they began resetting for another game.

"Not since this morning." Aaron replied replacing her pieces.

"Mistress went with a few of the Warriors out into the forest early this morning to hunt."

Before Hermione asked why, Aaron answered her friend in kind,"Hunting is part of our culture. Especially to the Warriors of our kind and clan."

"Clan? Your people have clans?"

The Vajirian chuckled at the witch's curiousness,"Yes. We have clans….clans, tribes, and packs to be exact. And before you ask I am of the Vajra, by birth not by choice." At this Hermione lifted a brown her interest was piqued,"What do you mean by birth?"

"Well...hmm how to put this. See after our Ascension we have a year of Mystagogy. The reason being for that is because each clan specializes in a particular trade or skill."

"You mean like..universities?"

"Yes where Harvard is for Law and UCLA is for Medical, or medicine whatever. But they are not limited to one. Once we Ascend we are free to choose our path and sometimes that path isn't with the clan we were born into. We are given the year to see where it is we feel most at home at." Hermione sat nodding in understanding of the comparison, it made sense. Though she did ask,"So then what makes the Vajra the so called elite? I read that they were basically at the top of the chain so to speak."

"And you are correct. Our entire people are of warriors regardless someone's trade…but the Vajra are considered to be the strongest, however unlike the other clans, The Vajra hold what is translated as the Five Bloodlines."

The witch furrowed her brow mulling this new information over as she said,"Five? I thought it was four?"

"That's what most people think. Even though a lot of the tomes record four, those who wrote them only dug so much into our culture…but what's written more or less has the gist of our culture." Nodding the witch asked,"Are the dragon and the Phoenix of the five blood lines?"

Aaron grinned,"Why ask a question you already know the answer to." Opening her mouth to ask another question Hermione paused when Tink huffed not only because Aaron hadn't paid much attention while she was explaining but also because something else had grabbed the other brunette's attention. Actually Hermione too turned her head in the direction of the noise.

"Are they back from their hunt?" The witch asked still staring in the general direction. Aaron stood from the her seat she could hear cheering but it wasn't because of the hunt, her squad of warriors never got excited like this unless a rookie made their first kill..or,"Shit…" She grumbled.

"Aaron?"

"It was going to happen eventually..." Tink said she too standing from her seat and Hermione chanced a glance at the short being standing next to the Vajrian before something burst from the trees followed by what she guessed were the hunting party. Who were cheering like avid fans at a basketball game or boxing match. Brown eyes roamed over the scene only to widen upon seeing Skyler wrestling with one of the other warriors….Jaren at least that's what she thinks his name was.

The two were rolling around as if trying to over power each other that is until Jaren got the upper hand and straddled Skyler's stomach. He then proceeded with a flurry of punches to her face. Somewhere between one of the punches Skye was able to grapple one of his wrists keeping it extended.

"Is that all you have?! Ha! You don't deserve the essence of the Dragon!" He growled before smirking and leaning in close to the dark haired girls ear. Whatever Jaren had whispered in her ear it was what did it, whether or not the reaction is what he wanted but by the look of shock by him and his supporters he hadn't. Skyler snapped at the warrior before tossing him off and away from her several feet. The second he was off her though she moved just as quickly to settle in a low crouch fighting stance.

Jaren recovered quickly from being tossed as he roared a feral roar baring his teeth has did this. Hermione saw the change in his eyes, they looked as if they were actual dragon eyes, and his teeth they had elongated and sharpened.

"Aren't you going to stop them?" Hermione asked unable to take her eyes from the now circling combatants as they to strip their leather armor. She stood to move closer only for Tink to grab hold of her hand. Looking down she was met with a pair of big beige colored eyes,"Mistress Hermione mustn't interfere."

"Are we just going to stand here and watch them beat the bloody hell out of each other?!"

Aaron's voice was calm as she spoke though her face was all seriousness as she watched her cousin fight."A challenge has been made Hermione and both are willing participants."

"A challenge? You can't be serious! Aaron this is ridiculous." Hermione moved to get closer so as to separate the two fighting Vajiri only to be pulled back by her friend,"Don't you'll only make this worse….especially for her." The other brunette whispered the last part and the witch tore her gaze from the fight to look her friend in the eyes.

"Skyler is seen as an outsider and a disappointment, she needs this right now she can't be seen as weak, especially to her own clan"

Swallowing the dry lump that suddenly formed in her throat Hermione turned back to watch as Skyler and Jaren were once again at each other's throats, both forgoing their leather chestplate. Jaren wore nothing beneath and Hermione found that a dragon designed marked his right shoulder…he's an alpha..she took note of how he smirked her way and Skyler growled fiercely. Hermione's gaze then turned to her Vajiri. Skyler was glaring daggers at the other warrior as she tore the black sleeveless shirt from her torso showing off her own marks.

Those watching mumbled to themselves and brown eyes narrowed as the witch paid just a little more attention to everyone around her. It took only seconds for her to realize that Skyler's markings were the only ones with gold and silver trimming. Everyone else's had shades of orange, yellow, and red. Looking to Aaron however, Aaron's were gold and Hermione wondered if it was only a family trait.

"you've no right to bear those!" Jaren hissed,"Besides what's a bird to the Dragon"

"Watch what you say Jaren." Another warrior cut in,"The Phoenix is just as great as the dragon do not insult the stock we come from"

Jaren nodded before rushing at Skyler again, despite being power hits they were fast but Skye wasn't backing down and met the warrior head on.

"She isn't fighting back." Hermione heard herself say, surprised that she had noticed this and by the look on Aaron's face had been the only one to notice this.

"What?"

"Look see there. She had a perfect opportunity to hit back but didn't take it." Aaron did as Hermione suggested seeing Jaren going for another hook only for Skyler to side step and block the follow up punch.

"She's defending." The other brunette realized,"She's trying to wear him out." Hermione didn't answer only continued watching however every time Jaren landed a hit she would flinch from the sound of impact. By all means both should have broken bones right now….fight back Skye why are you letting hi-….that thought ceased as she realized what Skyler was really doing.

Jaren went to tackle Skyler and she let him, using his own momentum against him, the moment he grabbed her waist. It took only a split second as she twisted with him in the air. When landing Jaren was in a half Nelson with an arm up in the air and Skye easily made it a full Nelson hold.

"What the hell is this!" He yelled struggling to get his arms free but the harder he struggled the tighter Skyler's hold got. He felt the pressure of her hands pushing at the back of his neck beginning to strain it.

"Do you you forfeit." Skyler hissed into the Warriors ear.

"No-agh!"

Skyler with the upper hand now kicked the back of his knee causing Jaren to fall to it. With her own knee Skyler pulled Jaren back causing her knee to dig into the arch of it. Her arms squeezed tighter as he began struggling much harder to break the hold. He even began to shift into a more dragon like form. On instinct the alpha in Skye let loose a roar that caused those watching to take a step back. It was a show of intimidation Hermione noted. She came to the conclusion rather quickly as she analyzed the way in which Skye was handling herself.

Jaren froze in place and all waited to see what he was going to do. When his arms fell limply and his body slumped he showed he submitted to Skyler as the stronger alpha. Skyler herself loosened her hold before pushing him away with a snarl. The losing warrior flinched before lowering his head in defeat.

"You've lost Jaren. You know our laws." It was the same warrior who had spoke before when Jaren had insulted those of the Phoenix. The one name turned his head with a growl as he snapped at the other,"She's not one of us!"

"Yes she is." Aaron spoke up with a command that Hermione hadn't really known she had. After all the younger brunette was normally lay back, at least from what's she's seen of her."And you've lost the challenge made, the least you can do, is lose with dignity and honor."

"And honor does she have." Jaren spat the words at Skyler who took a step toward him.

"More then you at this moment." Aaron replied coolly. Green eyes narrowed at the warrior as she moved to stand in front of the warrior,"Now cut it or I will."

The two stared each other down and Hermione wondered what it was her friend was speaking of. Her answer came when Jaren took the dagger at his hip and pulled the long braid that hung behind his left ear taut. Wrapping only half its length around his hand the warrior brought the blade up and in one swift motion cut it in half. With hurt pride Jaren threw the braid at Skyler's feet with a sneer before turning and stomping away. His loyal followers behind him the others left stood patting Skyler on the shoulder in congratulations. However the ebony haired girl merely nodded before walking back to her tent.

"What was that all about?" The witch finally asked. With a sigh Aaron bent to pick up the braid and Skyler's leather armor,"Jaren challenged Skyler, she accepted he lost."

"I saw that but why cut his braid. It was really long."

"He lost." The Vajra simply said turning to her friend and handing her the armor and braid,"He had to cut his warriors lock."

"I still don't understand-"

"I'll tell you more but not right now. Right now I think you should go and do what it was you had intended when waking up this morning." With that Aaron walked away giving orders in the language of the Vajiri. Turning to her side Hermione found Tink no where in sight and sighed. Brown eyes then found their gaze to land at the tent she'd been using the last few days. Aaron was right, she needed to speak with Skye. She knew where they stood but there was still much to settle between them.

Taking a calming breath Hermione walked to the tent entering to find Skye pacing by the fire. Though once noticing she was there the pacing stopped and the two stared at the other momentarily,"Hey.." Hermione said softly.

"Hey.." Skye repeated in kind.

"You…you forgot these." The brunette said quietly showing the items in her hands.

"Thanks."

"Skye….we really need to talk." With a sigh Skyler nodded in agreement,"I know...I just…last night after….I…" She huffed throwing a shard of ice at the the ground,"I'm sorry….last night I just I didn't know how to deal with it…I just-I didn't know how to deal with things when I thought it was Harry. I was torn because of what I saw….."

"And now.."

"Now….now I feel so fucking stupid for not only falling for what she wanted but…." Skyler roughly ran a hand through her bangs and the top of her unkempt hair not held by the loose braid,"I…fuck!"

Hermione could practically feel the tension Skyler was radiating. Slowly she walked over to the taller girl stopping until they were arms length. She said nothing, just simply studied the Vajiri standing before her. Skyler was tense and agitated and Hermione could clearly see the contracting movement of muscle every time Skye shifted from foot to foot. The black haired girl after all had not put a shirt on yet and Hermione was finding it a bit distracting considering she hadn't seen much of her girlfriend for months to be exact, let alone showing as much skin as she is right now…your suppose to be talking…not-oh but she's all sweaty and yummy looking….where the bloody hell did that come from gah! concentrate Granger!

When her attention was more on speaking with Skyler then thinking of all the other things she apparently wanted to do to the strong body in front of her Hermione realized Skyler was staring at her with a quirked brow and her arms crossed. Though she did see those Galaxy eyes widen just slightly and a knowing smirk slowly found its way on the older girls lips.

Clearing her throat Hermione fought the coming blush on her cheeks, as she lifted her chin upward so that the other girl knew that their focus should be at the topic at hand. However considering that Skyler only continued to smirk Hermione's blush deepened just a little. She had been caught ogling Skye's body. Considering she was smirking though that's when Hermione saw it, the similarities she'd seen in Arron. Apparently the two shared one family trait (besides the fact they loved to be sarcastic) their smile was the same well in this case their smirk. Aaron had the same dimpled chin as Skye except hers showed only when she smirked or smiled.

"You both have the same smile.." The brunette said absentmindedly not even realizing what she had said until after the words left her lips. Skye furrowed her brows together in confusion,"Who? What"

"You and Aaron….you both have the same smile." Hermione repeated quietly and could not help but to giggle at the small frown formed on the taller girls face."is that bad?"

"Uh yeah did you really just compare me to my so called cousin?"

Brown locks swished as Hermione shook her head,"Skyler she isn't so bad besides she's helping you."

"I know…and I also know that's not what you were thinking about." The older girl said as her smirk returned. Skyler stepped toward the witch and was glad that she didn't move away.

"We're suppose to be talking." Hermione said firmly though she was doing her best to fight her growing desire that was sparked.

Skyler sighed knowing Hermione was right and stepped back. Her gaze softened looking into those brown pools."I know…but I really don't know what else to say about things other then that what I showed you is truth. It was never my intention to hurt you and everybody else...Not the way I did….but I hadn't really planned on falling in love when the plan was set. And even when we first got together I was so happy I nearly forgot….but when the time for what we planned came closer I didn't think I could do it….especially with you there."

"That's why you did it at the wedding. After we left…"

Skye scoffed at herself as she nodded,"I guess in that way I'm a coward."

"But the others-"

"You saw it yesterday. It was hours before I could get them to believe that what I was saying at all was true. Everyone else I didn't bring with me to be 'questioned' think I've truly switched sides….I know that's exactly what we wanted but…..fuck do you have any idea what that's like to willingly do that all for the greater good. To see the faces of those you care for turn to ones of hate? I knew what would happen the moment you found out through someone else….that's why I went to Godrics Hollow, but it was also because He was getting restless…I was talking a big game Hermione I had to show I meant it."

Brown eyes grew pained as they closed from the memory. Hermione could still see the cold gaze Skyler had standing feet from her in the snow, and she had to physically turn from the same girl standing in front of her."You let us go…didn't you." The brunette stated trying not to let her welling up emotions take over again.

"I did….you really think I was going to let them get a hand on you…both of you? You have no idea what these assholes do when they capture those not of 'pure blood'. Especially the ones who are defiant against their ways and rules."

"Why let us go-"

"Because I didn't want them to take you. Not only that I told Snake face it was only to show Harry that all those close to him were no longer on his side. He Believes that Harry thinks he's on his own as most of what's left of the order is in hiding or being closely watched. He believes Harry thinks his allies are too afraid to take action. I've been doing my best to protect everyone else as best I can without looking suspicious. He knew what I am Hermione…he knew with out having to question it. Now he thinks that he's some chosen one in a holy war of some kind…" Skyler turned from Hermione shaking her head,"And yet some how he's not that far off from the truth.."

"What do you mean?"

"Do you remember when I told you that Harry's victory has a much bigger effect on things then you thought?"

Hermione nodded once,"That was the night Harry came to Grimmauld Place…you came late to the meeting…after visiting Ryul."

Skye gave a small smile, of course the witch remembered, however it fell seconds later as her face took on a grim look,"I wasn't lying when I told you that. There is something coming…something far greater then just one wizard with twisted views…something that would strike terror even in the so called dark lord."

"What? What are you saying? what's coming? What does what your saying have anything to do with Harry defeating the very man that killed his parents" Skyler turned sharply and Hermione took a step back from how quickly she had. The look in those eyes portraying what the Vajra was feeling, urging her to believe in what she was saying,"everything.." Skyler said quietly…

"What did she show you?" Hermione asked which caused Skye to look at her in confusion,"The woman….the woman in the hut the one you went to see. What did she show you?" When the older girl shook her head no she stepped forward, Hermione wasn't going to take no for an answer not after everything that's been revealed within the last few days,"What did you see when you looked into the mirror?"

Again the Vajiri shook her head no and Hermione quickly grabbed Skyler's face forcing their eyes to lock,"You've given me truth Skye more within the last few days…why stop now?...Please…" Waiting silently brown eyes watched as Galaxy ones searched her own….it felt like forever and again the witch asked in a low husked voice,"What did you see?...what did she show you?"

Swallowing hard Skyler answered in a low whisper,"Evil…I saw..Evil."

~x~

The rest the day Hermione spent mulling over everything she had come to learn…thinking of the events Skyler had gone through and what the Vajiri had revealed to her. Her mind still could not grasp the concept of something far greater then what they were facing now was coming. And the more she thought of it how could she?

The past six, seven years of her life have all lead up to this showdown with Harry her best friend and the dark man who slaughtered those he deemed unworthy, they all lead up to that final showdown she believed with everything she was that Harry would win. And once he did…that would be the end of it for them. The dark cloud that hung over the Wizarding community would disappear and an age of peace would come for them to heal and move forward into a brighter future. But what Skyler had told…she said, saw…this war was nothing more then a battle within a greater war itself.

With a sigh she leaned back into the rough bark of the tree she sat against. She didn't know what to make of things and guessed that this was probably what Skyler had felt much like this since that night they first discovered who had killed Jess. But she had other more pressing matters to deal with that needed to be dealt with now before she could even think about the coming darkness that Skyler had mentioned….sometimes I wish all the answers could be found in a book….

Hermione…

The sound of her named whispered in the wind and Hermione stiffened unsure if she had actually heard her name called. She wasn't that far off from camp as she needed some time alone for herself, but she didn't think that any of the others had followed to play tricks on her. After all the witch and been sitting in this same spot for hours thinking things over.

Hermione….

Again her name echoed in the wind and the brunette looked around quickly hoping to find whoever it was calling to her. Finding nothing but the trees and the earth surrounding her. A strange feeling of being watched washed over her and Hermione quickly stood from the ground. A soft breeze blew through her hair taking a deep breath brown eyes closed as she took in the scent of dirt and earth to help calm herself. Hermione was beginning to think that maybe her stress was making her a bit mad. However when brown eyes opened again the witch yelped in surprise to see a small plume of blue light standing before her. Actually as she continued to stare it was sort of like a tiny being made of wispy blue light. It cooed at her as if trying to communicate and Hermione furrowed her brow wondering what it was trying to do. Moments later a second one appeared several yards behind the first as it gurgled or cooed in a manner much like the first beckoning her over. Swallowing hard Hermione looked back in the direction of the camp, she had said she wouldn't wander off too far. Not to mention she had no idea what these little things wanted from her. Besides that they reminded her of the hinkypunkies faced in third year, though these seemed different from those.

Follow the wisps…

Brown eyes widened at the sound of that voice. She had heard it a few times before, though now it sounded as if it were said in her own mind or much like a whisper close to her ear.

Follow the wisps..

The voice said again and Hermione hesitantly took a step toward the second wisp. When nothing happened again she stepped forward cautiously of course looking to her surroundings wondering where it was these wisps as they were called were leading her.

It was not long before more appeared along the path she was meant to follow, and follow she did. Trekking through the forest as the trees grew impossibly thicker as did the fog beginning to surround her. Her only sense of direction coming from the blue light of the wisps. She wondered if actually following the wisps was a good idea after all, then again that voice that whispered to her it hadn't seemed like it wanted to harm her, but it was only at face value. The only way to find out for sure now was to continue to follow the wisps.

It wasn't long after the fog began to thin and Hermione could once again see the ground in front of her. Although the blue light of the wisps was no longer the only light in her view. Another light, green in hue shone at the end of her path and Hermione jogged up to see where it is these little guys have lead her.

The fog cleared suddenly and the witch found herself on a large raised hill standing beside one of the most magical sights she'd seen so far. Before her stood a large thick tree, one of the largest she's ever seen as well as one of the oddest shapes a tree could have. The trunk came up split twisting upward creating a tear drop shaped space reconnecting at the top. The branches spread wide and thick creating a huge canopy coming to hang lowly enough so that if she wish to could reach up to touch or pull on one. Leafs and vines hung much like a willow trees. The gnarled roots were just as strong as the split trunk weaving in and out of the earth and the witch had no doubt that they ran deep. The light she had seen radiated all over this small area though it seemed its source came from the space between the split trunk. Hermione was in awe at the sight of the tree taking in its details from the moss covered bark to the ribbons tied to the branches among the leaves. A sense of wonderment and peace washed over her and Hermione could feel the magic of the land running through her.

Welcome Hermione Granger…..

Came the whispered welcome that floated in the wind. The sound of the voice brought her to attention and Hermione looked around wondering where it was coming from.

"Hello…" she called out,"Is anybody there? I followed the wisps..please…I would very much like to see who you are."

Turn to the tree...

Doing so Hermione watched as a glowing white light began to form within the tear drop space of the tree. It grew larger as it began floating toward the stunned witch. The shape shifted from that of a glowing orb to that of a feminine figure of a woman. Though her features did not become clearer, Hermione was basically looking at the white shadow form of a woman.

Swallowing hard the brunette found her voice and courage as she had no idea what to make of this,"W-who are you?"

A giggle was heard and Hermione felt her self relax from the sound."in time you will come to know…" Came the melodious voice,"But for now…know I mean you no harm only guidance for what lies ahead for you."

"What do you mean?"

"You've been told of what is to come." Hermione nodded,"Know this Hermione Granger, you have a much bigger role to play in the events to come. What lies ahead will not be easy."

"What role do you mean? I don't even….what can I do that would help in anyway."

If the shadowed woman's features were clear Hermione would see an amused smile upon her lips,"Trust in your abilities to cause change…you've already done so much for the community you're fighting to save….why now would you doubt your ability to do more?"

Hermione had no answer to that but did not speak,"She will need you as you will need her for what is to come."

"Why come now?" She asked knowing who the she was.

"To help ease the doubt in your heart. You've done very well with the head on your shoulders but for what is to come when this war is over….you must trust in your heart to guide you."

The last of what this spirit said echoed in her ears and Hermione pondered on the sound of her voice. The way she spoke and whispered her words…she had heard them spoken before by this very being…when she was truly unsure of following what it was her heart so willingly yearned for.

"It was you wasn't it.." The witch said softly,"You've spoken to me before….you've whispered in my ears more then once haven't you?"

"I merely gave a small push in the direction you were lead. It was entirely your decision to follow or not….just like you don't have to go through with any of this. It is entirely your choice…I've come to you now as I said before for guidance…whether or not that eases your hearts burdens is again entirely up to you."

"And how often will you come to offer your guidance."

"When I am needed most." The apparition stated simply,"Hermione…" She said softly,"I know your heart aches…but then how else do we know that what we feel is real.."

"you…you fell in love? Before?"

"Contrary to what you believe I was not always as I reveal myself to you now." Hermione mumbled an apology and the apparition chuckled,"But yes and even now I feel what I always have for my love….I can only hope that your ending is much better then my own.." The brunette nodded not really sure how to respond, she could hear the tone of sorrow in the voice and Hermione's own heart ached for her. Wondering what pain this spirit had gone through in life that she feels it even now in death. Her thoughts were broken by that voice once more,"But now is not the time to delve into the past….you will come to know my story in time…for now you must believe in the trust you've built with her."

Before she could ask her question the sound of a snapping twig caught her attention and Hermione turned in the direction of the noise briefly. Looking back she found the apparition of the woman spirit slowly beginning to fade,"Wait.."

"I will come when needed Hermione…..for now go to her..and ease both your doubts."

The spirit was gone in seconds and Hermione was left standing in front of the large split tree. She stared at the spot the spirit had stood even at the call of her name. Once hearing her name several times the witch finally turned to find Skyler standing by the tree line.

"Hermione….." The Vajrian called,"What are you doing out here by yourself?"

"I…how did you find me?"

"I-t-the wisps…..they lead me here." Skyler stuttered unsure if this is where the little spirits had meant to lead her. Hermione blinked a little in surprise before a small smile graced her lips.

"I'll leave if….you still want to be alone."

"It's ok…I'd like to talk if that's alright with you." Skyler nodded making her way toward the witch, stopping just feet away when she asked,"Do you Love me Skye?"

Galaxy eyes blinked in surprise at such a question mostly because she hadn't expected it,"Yes." Came the firm answer,"I love you more then you know."

"Do you trust me?"

"With more then my life." Skyler answered taking the last few steps until she was standing toe to toe with the shorter girl."Do you doubt what I feel for you?"

Brown tresses swished when Hermione shook her head no. The small smile she had faded as she lifted a hand to stroke her loves cheek,"After Godrics Hollow I began to though….I couldn't help but think that all the moments we had together meant nothing to you and that maybe my dad was right….that you only took what you wanted..and that was it."

Skyler sighed from the touch leaning into the hand at her cheek kissing the inside of Hermione's wrist,"That's not true at all…it never was"

"I know…but finding out things the way I did….it still hurts because I had actually thought that maybe you went through all that just to get into my pants….I should've known by now you have more honor then that…"

"Hermione I never meant to hurt you….all I wanted was to end this for you, Harry and Jess…I wanted to help bring peace…and make sure you were happy."

"Even if it meant sacrificing your own." Hermione said softly and Skyler looked down nodding gently. Grasping that dimpled chin Hermione forced Skyler to look up at her,"And that's how I know that your love is true…..because you were willing to let me go…even though it would make you miserable to do so….it takes more strength and courage to do that…I think…then to take down a dark wizard hell bent on killing you."

Skyler did not answer in words but instead lay her hands on the witch's slim waist, leaning in for a kiss that was gentle and chaste, speaking volumes of what she could not find in words. Returning it with the same gentle passion Hermione wrapped her arms around her Vajiri's neck. Neither tried to deepen it as it ended naturally and both stared into the others eyes.

Skyler sighed and Hermione knew that what she was going to hear next..she would not like."I have to go back…I can't raise suspicion."

Nodding silently Hermione tightened her hold on the taller girl."Can't you stay longer….despite the time we've been given with each other…all we've done is keep our distance…I missed you Skye….even when I was angry…I missed you."

Skye gave her girlfriend another kiss this one longer and deeper then the one just shared. However it did not stop at one as she intended, it lead into another and another. Slowly she slipped her hands under Hermione's sweater running her hands up and down her sides. The action caused a gasp allowing more access to the mouth connected to hers and tongues to meet.

[Que le music]

When their lips finally parted Both were panting as their building passion thrummed through their bodies. Galaxy eyes gazed into pleading brown ones…asking what she could not in words at the moment. And Skye knew that if she continued she would not leave Hermione again to face Voldemort and his followers…while she played the part of supporting him.

Hermione seeing that Skye was struggling with her duty and love leaned in giving a chaste kiss, as it gave one simple request…stay. She knew that it was selfish to ask this of Skye after knowing that she had a role to play. But if the spirit earlier had spoken anymore truer in her words, then right now they needed each other. Needed to reaffirm the love they held for the other…and perhaps to complete the bond yet to be finished…

[Besame, y a destiempo

Sin piedad, y en silencio]

When the kiss broke Hermione pulled back if only just nipping at Skye's bottom lip. The action saying…please as she waited for the Vajrian's answer.

[Besame, frena el tiempo

Has crecer, lo que siento]

Coming to a decision Skyler wrapped her arm fully around the witch's waist bringing her other hand to the back of the brunette's head and crashing their lips together in a fiery kiss…

[Uhhhhhhh]

[Bésame, como si el mundo se acabara después

Bésame y beso a beso pon el cielo al reves

Bésame sin razón, por que quiere el corazón

Bésame….]

Too long had they been apart and the need for the other was shown greatly as the two collided against each other. The need to be close, to touch, months apart had indeed made the heart grow fonder despite the events that transpired. Both needed this as it would give yet another memory to look back on in the battles yet to come before either of them knew it clothes were being shed until they lay naked. And somewhere between touching and stripping Skye had spread out the large cloth of her great kilt for them to lie on with extra fabric to cover them if need be.

[Uhhhhhhhh

Ohhhhhhhh

Yeihhh]

*With out a hint of warning Skye slipped two fingers into her girlfriends dripping center. The sudden protrusion caused Hermione to lift almost completely off the ground leaving only her feet, and the back of her head as her body pulled taut with a sharp gasp. Skyler slowly began pumping her fingers at a leisurely pace every so often using her thumb to tease the bundle of nerves that was aching for more attention. Hermione groaned from the gentle strokes and touches. She could feel the building of heat in her lower belly as well as Skyler's weight move on top of her. The Vajirian kissed and sucked at her neck moving up until she began whispering in her ear while simultaneously thrusting her fingers faster and harder. Hermione's hips moved in time with the pace of Skyler's hand as she rode her fingers. Her moans shortening to ragged breaths and gasps for air. With her free hand Skyler rolled a stiff peak between her fingers causing the one beneath her to become undone.

The brunette let out a loud moan as release over took her body before relaxing limply. Hermione was a little embarrassed that Skyler was able to have her come undone like that so quickly but she knew….that they were not done yet.

[Siénteme, en el viento

Mientras yo, muero lento

Besame, sin motivos

Y esta vez, siempre contigo]

Slowly Skye slid down the witch's body while she was still recovering. Her fingers hadn't left the warm wetness they were lodged in and began thrusting her fingers again, this time joined by her tongue as she sucked the sensitive clit. Immediately feeling a hand tangle in her loosely braided hair, pushing her closer.

Hermione's moans were a symphony to her and Skyler pressed on determine to please the one who had chosen her to be her mate. To show how much she loved her by making love to her.

"Skye" the witch moaned out.

[Oououhhhh]

Not wanting to give complete control to the Vajra Hermione in her lust filled haze twisted their positions so that she was on her knees and hand (the other still firmly gripping black hair)

[Besame, como si el mundo se acabara después

Besame y beso a beso pon el cielo al reves

Besame sin razón, por que quiere el corazón.

Besame….]

The motion caused her to hiss as Hermione had jerked her head a bit but Skye was undeterred. How ever the fact that Hermione was on her knees brought another position to mind and Skyler ceased her motions and mouth. The absence of Skyler's mouth and fingers caused Hermione to whimper from the loss of contact (as well as letting go of her hair) which turned into a gasp feeling hardened flesh teasingly slide against her slit. Hermione felt kisses trail up her spine as strong hands steadied her hips. The head of Skyler's member plunged in first before sliding the rest of her girth in slowly. And just as slowly she pulled out until just the head before again slamming back in, the action repeated multiple times. Each thrust going deeper then the one before.

[Uhhhhhhhh

Ohhhhhhhh

Uouououhh]

Her moans echoed amongst the forest as Skyler continued to take her. The sloshing of their fluids could be heard as well as the slapping of skin. Finding it hard to keep herself up on her hands Hermione lowered her face to the kilt covered ground. Hands grasping at the fabric desperately as if she were to float away if she let go. She felt a sweaty brow at her back move up to her shoulder and could hear her lovers sounds of appreciation and grunts. Simultaneously as she wrapped and arm back around Skye's neck turning her head to kiss her, the Vajiri brought a hand of her own to the front of Hermione's apex, using skilled fingers to stimulate that bundle of nerves.

Their bodies were on fire as sweat dripped and glistened on their skin. The markings on their bodies glowed brightly as the building in their lower abdomen continued to build like the ever tightening coil getting ready to spring. Everywhere they touched left trails of fiery heat as their skin tingled for more. Using what was left of her strength Hermione pulled her lips from the black haired girls to breath as she began pushing her back until both were sitting up.

[Besame]

With ease Hermione turned until she was face to with her love and undulating her hips, in a teasing manner of her own. Skyler groaned from the action and the witch smirked before beginning to bounce on Skyler's member. Using Skyler's shoulders to keep herself steady.

[Besame, como si el mundo se acabara después, yeih

Besame y beso a beso pon el cielo al reves, uouoh

Bésame sin razón, por que quiere el corazón

Besame….]

Skye gripped Hermione's hips helping her as the brunette rode her. They were close as Hermione's walls were beginning to tighten and her cock ached painfully for its release however she wanted this to last a bit longer..Hermione with head thrown back brown tresses spilling down her back moaned out her pleasure repeating her girlfriends name. She was so close and so was Skye she could feel the hardened flesh throb inside of her as well as twitch. Her voice became a few octaves higher the moment Skyler's mouth attached to her breasts. The older girl nibbled, sucked and kissed….tongue teasing taut peaks.

Hermione's hand again found its fingers tangled in ebony hair as she urged for more pressure she after all hadn't forgotten how Skye loved to worship her breasts. However their climaxes were fast approaching and Skyler moved her lips upward coming to the witch's neck. Within a matter of seconds both were thrown over the edge and into wonderful bliss. At that exact same moment Skye bit down on the conjecture of neck and shoulder. Tasting Hermione's blood, memorizing its scent, it's taste as she would be the only one ever to taste it. Hermione Granger was now and forever her mate and both the Dragon and Phoenix within her roared/squawked with glee as she finally claimed what she had longed to…Hermione for her part clutched at Skye's back and hair letting loose a high pitch moan of her loves name that ended between a whimper and a cracked screech. Neither noticed the blinding flash of colors that surrounded them as both could only focus on the other and feeling of their connection.*

[Bésame así, sin compasión

Quédate en mi, sin condición

Dame tan solo un motivo]

Without stopping Skyler continued to thrust though they slowed into a gradual stop as she guided her mate on her back, both riding out the last tremors rippling through their bodies. Mouth never leaving where it was connected until both were laying comfortably (with her on top) Skyler drank a little more of Hermione's blood before pulling back to lick the bite in apology. Hermione whimpered a little from the feeling as it felt a little sore but the pain dulled greatly with every flick of Skye's tongue

[Y me quedo…..yo

Y me quedo yo]

Still panting to catch her breath, the feeling of licks turned into kisses and Hermione smiled at the feeling as they trailed up her neck until finding her lips. She met Skyler's with equal love and passion, though she moaned at the taste of her own blood and fluids that mixed and dripped from Skyler's lips and chin. Both smiling as they continued to claim the others mouth.

[Y me quedo yo

Y me quedo yo]

Their kisses slowed coming to end with a soft lingering connecting of lips. Resting their foreheads together as they relished the moment of being like this….no civil war of wizards, no dark lords vying for power. No playing sides...just the two of them connected as as two people in love, by both body and soul…connected as one, by their bodies, by their hearts as they seemed to beat in time with each other….and slowly their eyes fluttered open to meet.

(Elsewhere in an unknown location)

Jenna sat going over the latest results of testing as well as the signed documents of several partners and potential investors. Despite the events that took their key player away for the time being, things have mostly gone as planned by the time her father deemed it ready to make their move both magical and non magical worlds would be helpless to stop the coming of a new age….she just needed to wait out the outcome of the so called Wizarding war. Only after could the key pieces needed could she move ahead with the plans.

Setting down the latest document in hand the succubus was then over come by a sudden rush of pain. Like white hot knive prickling beneath her skin began to skin her from the inside out. She screamed in pain as her body felt like it was about to explode, though it felt as if her head alone would burst first. She clutched her head pulling her hair as she yelled in this unexpected pain that swam through her veins. Her body flashed a sickly green as a particular spot on her back burned hotly. When the pain dulled Jenna heaved for air as she clenched her teeth with a snarl, only one thing could have caused that and she roared in anger as she flipped her desk over….a single thought came to mind and it made her even angrier...