Later the next day Hermione woke up feeling rested and rejuvenated in a way she hadn't felt in a very long time. She stretched her body and hummed happily, sitting up and that was when she saw her sister staring at her with a haunted look in her blue eyes.
"Thalia? Are you alright?"
Hermione was shocked speechless when her sister moved over to her bed and enveloped her into a tight embrace. Returning the gesture, even though she was understandably confused as to what exactly had brought this on, Hermione just held Thalia to her as her sister sobbed quietly into her shoulder. When she finally pulled back, Hermione wiped the tears from Thalia's cheeks and said, "What happened? Did someone get hurt?"
Thalia shook her head and then sighed, sitting back but keeping one of her hands enclosed around her sister's.
"I'm sorry if I'm scaring you." Thalia whispered pained.
"It's okay. But maybe you could tell me what this is all about?"
For several minutes Thalia didn't respond and then Hermione watched as her sister stood up and paced around the room—clearly agitated as she ran her hands through her hair several times. Now that she had a better look at her younger sister, Hermione could tell she probably hadn't slept recently either.
That's why when Thalia turned and placed her hands on her hips, her body radiating anger Hermione wondered if she had done something to piss off her sibling.
"How can you forgive Dad for allowing all those horrible things to happen to you?"
Hermione's confusion turned to horror as she finally understood why Thalia was so upset.
"How?"
"Dad. I overheard your conversation.."
"You eavesdropped?"
"Well, yeah..."
"Oh, Thalia. Nothing good ever comes from listening in on other people's private conversations."
For a moment Thalia stood there, her mouth agape before she threw back her head in laughter.
When she saw her older sister's perplexed expression she just laughed even harder.
"You sound exactly like Dad."
Hermione shook her head, but couldn't help the grin that cracked her lips as she patted her bedside—silently demanding her sister sit down and talk to her.
Thalia flounced over and plopped down, grabbing a piece of ambrosia off the food tray and grinning like a fool.
"I can see why you're his favorite."
Hermione scoffed and replied in admonishment, "That is simply not true."
"Don't worry Sis...Dad admitted it but it's okay. I'd rather not be in that position as that way I can screw up and I won't have to be the huge disappointment."
"Nice—"
"Nah, but it's okay like I said."
The two sisters smiled at each other before Thalia's expression turned serious. "Dad let me see memories."
Hermione nodded and sighed heavily, not needing a diagram drawn for her as to what exactly those memories entailed.
"I see." She said after a moment. "I wish he hadn't shown you that."
"Hermione!" Thalia bit out, her voice filled with righteous fury, "How can you be so forgiving?"
Hermione had to wonder if Thalia was only talking about their Father now—so she took her sister's hand and gave it a loving squeeze.
"Thalia, I don't expect you to understand my choices. Who I am is very different than who you are. I don't know much about you other than you sacrificed yourself for Luke and Annabeth and you are tremendously loyal and brave—so how about we make a deal?"
"Which is?" Thalia expression was wary, but curious too.
"That we each allow the other their choices and mistakes. No judgement. I will love and support you no matter what you choose for your life and I just ask you do the same for me?"
Thalia thought about this compromise for a moment and then nodded in agreement. "I think that sounds like a fair deal."
"Good." Hermione squeezed her sister's hand one final time before moving to stand up. "How long have I been here...it feels like ages?"
"Almost two weeks."
"Seriously?" Hermione's face blanched and then she panicked. "Oh Merlin! I need to get back to school! NEWTS are coming up next week and I need to study!"
Thalia grinned and then threw herself back on her sister's bed and laughed joyously. "We are so different!"
Hermione smiled and nodded. "We are, but that's okay, right?"
Thalia bright blue eyes were filled with warmth as she nodded eagerly in reply. "Sure. Get cleaned up. It's time to get you home."
"Will do."
An hour later Hermione had changed into fresh clothes that she had stashed away in her beaded bag. She made her way out of her room and down a long hallway which ended in a large council room with chairs surrounding a beautiful hearth. Her eyes widened and then she smiled happily as she saw Lady Hestia tending to the flames.
"My Lady." Hermione bowed in respect.
"Dearest Hermione, welcome to Olympus."
Hermione moved into the room slowly, her eyes darting around and taking in the majesty of the room. When she noticed her Father's throne, she grinned.
"Nice chair."
Hestia's laughter was light and free as she nodded. "I suppose it is, if you care about that sort of thing."
The young demigods face fell as she bit her lip. "I'm sorry My Lady..."
"Oh Hermione, don't be." Hestia waved her over and Hermione quickly took the offered seat next to the Goddess of the Hearth. "I've never regretted giving up my seat on the council. Ruling is for others...my place is in the home."
"How is it you've been able to face immortality with such grace and equanimity, My Lady?"
Hestia considered the question seriously and then shrugged. "I decided long ago to live my life with kindness, Hermione. When you center your ambitions on those things that don't matter, that is when life lets you down. But if you always remember what's truly important—that is when life's greatest blessings flourish."
Hermione thought about this and silently agreed it was good advice.
"My schooling is almost done."
"It is." Hestia said evenly. "And you are wondering about your future?"
Hermione nodded. "I have always wanted to change the world...make it better. I had thought at one point before my powers were returned that perhaps I might join the Magical Ministry and work to better the lives of all Magical Creatures."
"That seems like a noble endeavor."
"It does." Hermione expression was hesitant however, and Hestia took her Niece's hand within her own and said, "Hermione, what does your heart want?"
Amber eyes lifted towards the Goddess and she said quietly, "To be happy. To have peace and just live free. Is that selfish of me?"
The Goddess shook her head. "You have always looked out for others, and that won't change but you need to find balance too. You have someone waiting for you, someone who holds your heart. What does he want?"
Hermione smiled and said, "Knowing Draco—he will want to get married and start a family."
Hestia chuckled, her eyes crackling like flame as she stared into the hearth and hummed for a few moments. When she faced her Niece one again, her expression was serene. "He wishes only to give you that which you desire. No more, no less. He will follow your lead and will support you always. If you wish to change the world, he will change it with you."
"Really?"
"Do you doubt me, Hermione?"
The young demigods face blanched. "No!" Hermione gasped in horror. "I would never think to do such a thing, My Lady."
Hestia smiled and nodded. "Then trust in the love you both have for one another."
"I will. I promise."
Hestia cupped her Niece's head and tilted it down so she could place a soft kiss on her forehead. "Return home and be safe, Hermione. Enjoy the peace you have earned."
Hermione stood and bowed respectfully before she made her way out of the council room and outside the Pantheon. She smiled when she saw her sister, brother and Father all waiting for her.
"Apollo!" Hermione grinned. "I didn't know you were here?"
"Artemis insisted." He pouted and Hermione rolled her eyes at what a child he could be sometimes.
"Well, I appreciate it."
Her brother winked and then said, "Just remember you said that."
"Oh, I will." Hermione bantered back and then noticed her Father sighing—
"Children, are we done?"
"Yes Father." They all replied as one, earning a scoff before Zeus waved his hand and they all found themselves on the border of the Forbidden Forest, near Hagrid's Hut. They stood there for a moment before a figure emerged from the tree line.
It was Artemis.
Her gaze was dismissive of her Father and brother, but softened as she took in her two sisters.
"Thalia, Hermione.." Artemis came over and kissed both her sister's on the forehead in greeting. She then took Hermione aside and gave her a critical once over.
"You are healed?"
"I am My Lady. Apollo said that you asked him to look after me."
Artemis gaze moved to her twin and she noticed he was trying very hard to look inconspicuous.
A near impossible task for him.
"I did." She sighed. "And it seems as if he needed my council."
Hermione nodded, then bit her lip before she whispered, "I think he just wants to please you, My Lady."
Artemis scoffed, but didn't respond as she stared at her sister, who's heart was far more generous than any mortal she'd ever known.
"If you give him a an inch..." Artemis warned lowly.
"I figured that out too, but sometimes a little praise goes a long way." Artemis scoffed but Hermione just smiled lovingly at her older sister. "Look at it this way My Lady...if you give him credit now you won't have to do so for another few thousand years...right?"
Hermione heard her Father chuckling behind them, and didn't miss the way Artemis eyes narrowed at their Father. She couldn't see her Father's expression, but she could imagine he probably looked amused.
"Fine." Artemis sighed, clearly put upon as she held her sister's hand and walked back over to her family.
"Apollo," she began shortly, and her brother stared at her with an expression that wouldn't melt gold—
"Sis."
Artemis sighed again, and felt her sister squeeze her hand in support before she bit out, "I suppose I should commend you for heeding my request.."
"Request?" Apollo bit back playfully, ignoring the caustic glare from his younger siblings and the throat clearing from their Father.
"Don't push it, Brother."
Apollo's eyes lit up, and Artemis rolled her eyes at the faux pas. She couldn't remember the last time she'd referred to Apollo as such.
"I don't wish to have this conversation." Artemis said at last. "So I will just say that I am glad Hermione is well and I commend you on taking care of her."
Apollo grinned and was about to speak when his younger sister waved her hand and silenced him with magic. His eyes widened as he stared at Hermione morosely, but she just tutted and waved her finger at him in admonishment.
"You were about to say something and ruin the moment Apollo."
The God huffed silently and pulled his arms over his chest as he pouted unhappily...ignoring the chuckles of those in his family at his expense. When his gaze met his elder sister, her own softened for a split second and she bowed her head very slightly before she said, "Sister, it is time for us to return to the Hunt."
"Of course My Lady."
However before they left, Artemis turned to their Father and asked, "Hera? How long will she remain banished at Ogygia?"
Zeus grinned and said icily, "How long would you think a fair punishment for her crimes, Daughter?"
Artemis considered this seriously before she replied with venom dripping from her voice— "If it were my choice? A millennium, wouldn't be too short of a time."
Zeus chuckled at the bloodthirsty nature of his Huntress Daughter and said simply, "So Mote it Be."
The heavens rolled, and Artemis eyes widened before she bestowed a rare smile upon her Father.
Thalia then gave her Father a pleased nod and Hermione a hug goodbye—then they all watched the two sisters disappear back into the woods to return to the Hunters.
When Artemis was gone—Hermione lifted the silencing charm completely.
"Was that really necessary?" Apollo groused.
"Obviously." She deadpanned, earning another bout of mirth from their Father. Zeus then clasped Apollo on the shoulder.
"I'm sure you have elsewhere to be, Son?"
"Sure Dad." The God of Oracles grinned and then winked at his younger sister. "You really perform the impossible, don't you Sis?"
Hermione just shrugged, but thanked her brother for his help regardless. He disappeared with a bright grin and a wave—leaving Hermione alone with her Father.
"I will walk you back to the castle."
Hermione was taken aback. "Are you sure?"
Zeus offered his arm, which she took after a split second of shock. The two meandered together, and Hermione looked around noticing a few of her classmates staring at them as they got closer to the courtyard. It must've been a weekend because most of the students were out of their school robes and dressed in casual dress—whereas her Father was dressed in a formal three piece suit.
"Have you enjoyed your schooling here?" Her Father asked and Hermione nodded.
"It was fine when I wasn't fighting a troll, or a dementor, or a werewolf, or a basilisk, or a..."
"I think I get the picture, Daughter." Zeus sighed in irritation as they walked through the main castle doors—ignoring the increasing stares and not so veiled whispers of her fellow classmates. When they finally reached the Great Hall, Hermione could see that lunch was just finishing up and as she entered the doorway next to her Father—the entire room went still as everyone stopped and stared.
Her gaze immediately sought out the grey one of her boyfriend, but he wasn't there. Her sigh of disappointment wasn't missed by her Father.
Nico however, was there and he was the first to reach her.
"Mi!"
She smiled widely and looked to her Father who nodded once, before she went to her cousin and enveloped him in a tight hug.
"You're okay?" He whispered, his voice shaky and she nodded—pulling away.
"I'm all fixed."
"Good."
"Where's everyone?"
Nico grinned. "Out on the Quidditch Pitch."
"Quidditch?" Zeus said and then he chuckled. "Ah, brooms."
Hermione shook her head as she allowed Nico to lead she and her Father out to the Quidditch Pitch. Sure enough—Percy, Annabeth, Ginny, Theo, Blaise, Draco, Dean and Seamus we're out there but Hermione's eyes widened and then her face broke out into a wide smile when she saw Harry and Ron too...and then she stopped cold when she noticed Luke as well.
"Ah Castellan." Zeus said with icy disdain. "I see my Brother has allowed him to remain tied to the mortal world for now."
"Dad, please don't." Hermione whispered and Zeus halted their progress as he stared down at his daughter.
"Hermione—I know that boy cares for you and why he did what he did—but I can't overlook what he almost allowed to happen. Hades may have given him a place in Elysium and Hermes may have pleaded his case to me—but that doesn't excuse the fact that he almost allowed my Father to rise. But, I will refrain from making a spectacle for your sake."
"Thank you Father."
"Of course." Zeus took his daughter's arm and followed Nico to the edge of the pitch and when he looked up, he noticed all those above on their brooms were hovering over he and Hermione, staring down at them both.
"We have an audience."
Hermione stared up and waved at everyone.
And then it was a rush to see who could get to the ground fast enough.
Percy reached her first and after a nod from his Uncle, gave his cousin a death hug.
"Percy...need to breathe."
"Sorry Mi." He pulled back with a sheepish grin and Hermione cupped his cheek gently.
"We're good Percy. I don't blame you and I'm just glad you're okay."
Her cousin shook his head and smiled. "Always taking care of everyone else."
Zeus hummed in agreement, choosing to ignore his daughter's silent reprimand if the stare she was sending his way was meant as such.
Zeus allowed her friends and family to welcome her home. The boy Harry Potter had grabbed his daughter and held onto her like a lifeline...an affection she returned without hesitation. He then bowed formally to him before stepping back to let a red-headed wizard do the same. Luke nodded at him and smiled at his daughter but didn't make a move in her direction. When the blonde wizard, who bravely protected his daughter moved over at last, everyone started shuffling their feet and making to leave.
"Daughter?" Zeus said firmly. "I wish to speak to this wizard alone."
"Father!" Her voice was low and pleading, but his eyes lit up in warning and the wizard Harry Potter came over and grabbed her hand quickly.
"Come on Mione, let Draco handle this on his own. If your Father electrocutes him, it'll save me from having to do it myself."
"Harry!"
Zeus chuckled deeply and nodded at the young wizard—watching with amusement as he absconded off with his daughter and her friends. When they were finally alone, Zeus turned to the blonde and demanded, "Walk with me."
Draco swallowed and followed, knowing he simply had no choice in the matter. He kept pace with the God of Sky to the far side of the Quidditch pitch and then the God waved his hand and they were gone from Hogwarts and Draco paled as he immediately recognized where Hermione's Father had taken them.
They were back at his home in the Drawing Room at Malfoy Manor.